[GreenKeys] How to Remove Military Moisture/Fungus ProofVarnish?

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "DR HOUSE" <Packard42 at gmail.com>
To: "David Burns" <dvdbrns at rcn.com>
Cc: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 7:10 PM
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] How to Remove Military 
Moisture/Fungus ProofVarnish?


>I think the standard answer is Stoddard Solvent, but for 
>really hard
> jobs
> I use Sea Foam which is used to clean varnish out of 
> carburetors.
>
> YOU MUST BE CAREFUL TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
> USE LOTS OF VENTILATION.  YOU CAN EASILY BLOW YOURSELF UP!
>
> Don
> K9TTY
>
>
>
> On 14 Mar 2012, at 7:26 PM, David Burns wrote:
>
> The base and keyboard of a military M15 I'm working on is 
> encrusted with
> this varnish ("MFP-1949" - vintage stuff) mixed with oil 
> residue.
>
> Since I will not be playing with carbon tetrachloride, 
> what's an
> effective alternative cleanser?
>
> Any success stories out there?
>
> -Dave in Boston
>
     I am interested to learn about Sea Foam. I've had the 
Devil's own time removing MFP lacquer. The closest to an 
effective solvent I've found is paint remover but it takes 
several applications and much time.  Stoddard solvent is 
also known as mineral spirits and is sold as odorless 
turpentine.  I've tried naphtha, xylol, acetone, even MEK 
which normally dissolves anything, on MFP with poor results. 
I think I may have also tried mineral spirits, since I 
usually have it available.
     I suspect Sea Foam may have ether in it. I have not 
tried ether or engine starter, which also contains ether, 
might well work but I can understand your warning about 
blowing one's self up.  No exploding Teletype machines.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com