Will brake cleaner ruin powder coat?

RedBarchetta · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 10:34 AM

I just had the outside of my Canton oil pan powder-coated and I need to clean the inside for dust and God knows what else. The inside of the pan was spotless before I dropped it off at the painter. It's not too nasty, but I'm hesitant to use just plain soap, water and compressed air, as I don't want any potential rust to form in the nooks and crannies of this Canton pan.

I love using this stuff for parts cleaning (awesome performance, dries fast and leaves no residue) but can't find any literature regarding if it attacks powder coat finishes? Since many high performance brake calipers are powder coated, I'd have to think it's safe.

Would prefer to hear inputs on CC before I start testing a small area. And we all know what brake fluid will do to paint.

Thanks,

-Dean

MDN · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 10:58 AM

Hi,
Why don't you just spray the brakleen on a rag and wipe the interior?
MDN

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 11:27 AM

I don't think it will harm powder coating. I have never had any come off on a rag after using it and then wiping the surface down with a rag or blue paper towel.

I know lacquer thinner will!

bobcowan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 12:56 PM

Yes, it will.

Frank Messina · #5 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 03:57 PM

Dean,
I use a 50-50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol on parts where I don't want to mess up the finish. I use Brakleen all the time, just not on anything with a special finish.
Frank

RedBarchetta · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Thanks, Frank. I use the same mixture on exterior paint surfaces when I take off old wax or prep for Zaino. I will most likely give that a try.

Richard Hudgins · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 08:09 PM

Red,

In looking at the MSDS I cannot find anything that would remove a ceramic /polymer coating.

IE:TETRACHLOROETHYLENE (PERCHLOROETHYLENE) C2-C14 30-60% 127-18-4
(Standard everyday dry cleaning solution. If it is good enogh for your suits?)

DICHLOROMETHANE (METHYLENE CHLORIDE) (Mostly found in Insecticides as it is a wetting agent.)

Now that does say that these compounds might not discolor in some way the finish.

But as one always reads, "Test on a hidden area for colour fastness"

MaSnaka · #8 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 08:52 PM

I just did the very thing you mention on a powdercoated oil pan. The brake cleen dries so fast it doesn't have much time to soften the finish. I also used laquer thinner to wipe down the powder coating to prep for paint and yes it did soften the finish but again did not ruin it. I spray painted the pan to cover some scratches in the powder coat and while giving it a final cleaning on the inside before installing it, i dribbled some laquer thinner out the plug hole and it did leave a streak on the bottom of the now painted pan. It's an oil pan and I'm sure it will have battle scars in no time anyway. Good luck with yours.

John