I was using Super Tech brake cleaner the other day on a chainsaw. Turned out to not be the best choice as all the paint melted right off the painted metal case (Sthil).
So I came to BITOG for info and found these threads:
And this info in the first thread:
CRC Carb Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 20-30% Toluene 35-45% Methanol 25-35% Carbon dioxide 5–10%
Berryman's B12 ingredients: Toluene 40-50% Methanol 20-30% Acetone 20-30% MEK 1-5% 2-Butoxyethanol 1-5% Isopropanol 1-5% Mixed Xylenes 1-5%
Supertech Carb Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 47.2% Toluene 44.7%
Gumout Jet Spray Carburetor and Choke Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 60-100% Propane 5-10% MEK 1-5% Distillates (petroleum) 1-5%
Prestone Carb and Choke Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 60-100% Solvent Naphtha Petroleum Distillates 10-30%
Based on what I can glean from these, brake cleaner is supposed to be "easier" on parts than carb cleaner? Sure didn't turn out that way for me. Chainsaw went through lots of two stroke mix and had no paint damage at all. Then I tried to clean sap off it and damaged the paint - Sigh.
What chemical in the ST brake cleaner softens and bubbles the paint?
What do you guys use that won't damage paint and plastic?
So I came to BITOG for info and found these threads:
Carb Cleaner vs. Brake Cleaner as a parts cleaner
When you're degreasing let's say a drive spline, axle, etc or just a quick down dirty way to clean off grease off a chrome wrench before putting it away.......any of ya'll use carb cleaner which is a lesser expensive product than brake cleaner. I've never used anything other than red can CRC...
bobistheoilguy.com
Carb vs Brake vs NC brake cleaner
Hi everyone, I wanted to know your opinion about which to use to clean things on the underside of the car after an oil change. In past years I've been using nonchlorinated brake cleaner without issue, but have used the others as well. Which product is best? Safest for metal/rubber/plastic...
bobistheoilguy.com
And this info in the first thread:
CRC Carb Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 20-30% Toluene 35-45% Methanol 25-35% Carbon dioxide 5–10%
Berryman's B12 ingredients: Toluene 40-50% Methanol 20-30% Acetone 20-30% MEK 1-5% 2-Butoxyethanol 1-5% Isopropanol 1-5% Mixed Xylenes 1-5%
Supertech Carb Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 47.2% Toluene 44.7%
Gumout Jet Spray Carburetor and Choke Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 60-100% Propane 5-10% MEK 1-5% Distillates (petroleum) 1-5%
Prestone Carb and Choke Cleaner ingredients: Acetone 60-100% Solvent Naphtha Petroleum Distillates 10-30%
Based on what I can glean from these, brake cleaner is supposed to be "easier" on parts than carb cleaner? Sure didn't turn out that way for me. Chainsaw went through lots of two stroke mix and had no paint damage at all. Then I tried to clean sap off it and damaged the paint - Sigh.
What chemical in the ST brake cleaner softens and bubbles the paint?
What do you guys use that won't damage paint and plastic?