[R-390] Cleaning

[Bob Camp]

Hi,

Is on topic judged in relation to one's most recent posts ...... in that
case I guess this is on topic.

We seem to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to clean off gear
trains. I just came across an official US Navy process from back in 1947. It
*looks* like all the stuff is still available. You use:

Naphtha (70 to 72 degrees Baume)
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Distilled water
Cleaning solution a mix of:
    30 liters distilled water (gulp)
    300 grams Oxalic acid tech grade
    3 liters Isopropyl Alcohol
    800 cc ammonium hydroxide
    200 cc alkamine (alkyl sulphate)
Rinse solution:
    2400 cc distilled water
    48 grams Orvus flakes (alkyl sulphate)

The process:

    two minutes in naphtha
    One minute in alcohol
    two minutes in cleaning solution
    one minute in rinse solution
    two minutes in distilled water
    one minute in fresh alcohol
    one minute in even fresher alcohol
    finally dry it with a hot air blower

Except for alkyl sulphate stuff it all sounds like pretty common stuff. I
suspect it will clean the guck off of gear trains pretty well. It's even
older than an R-390 so it's gotta be good !!!

Also note - no I"m not going to ask for any more chemestry help from the
associated hangers on around the house here. You are on your own for the
alkyl stuff.

    Take Care!

        Bob Camp
        KB8TQ