WD 40

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, maramu.

[a64pilot]

It would appear that rockets is indeed correct
WD-40 History - History and Timeline of WD-40 Company

[GordMay]

WD-40 makes a “Specialist® Electrical Contact Cleaner” for use as a Contact Cleaner. Electrical Cleaner for the removal of heavy soils such as grease and grime from electrical equipment.

However, they warn: Keep away from heat, sparks, pilot lights, hot surfaces and open flames. Unplug electrical tools, motors and appliances before spraying or bringing the can near any source of electricity. Electricity can burn a hole in the can and cause contents to burst into flames. To avoid serious burn injury, do not let the can touch battery terminals, electrical connections on motors or appliances or any other source of electricity.

➥ http://www.wd40company.com/files/pdf...ray-us-ghs.pdf

[cabo_sailor]

The old formulation of WD40 was good as an engine starting fluid but not as strong as ether. They've long since changed the propellant and you might as well spray deodorant into the air intake.

Local small engine repair shop claims a lot of business comes from people using WD40 as lubricant. I'm rather fond of McLube.

Rich


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[exMaggieDrum]

You can clean grease off of parts with WD-40. Some have said it is just kerosene with a scent added to it. It must have something else in it for the "residue" that is left. But it is NOT a lubricant.

However, one of the things that I am surprised that no one has mentioned is that some of this stuff if very toxic in a closed space that is not well ventilated - like almost all engine spaces. Read the labels carefully and follow the advice. It may save your life or allow you to life longer than otherwise. For some that is a good thing. Others not so sure.

[weavis]

Originally Posted by exMaggieDrum

You can clean grease off of parts with WD-40. Some have said it is just kerosene with a scent added to it. It must have something else in it for the "residue" that is left. But it is NOT a lubricant.

However, one of the things that I am surprised that no one has mentioned is that some of this stuff if very toxic in a closed space that is not well ventilated - like almost all engine spaces. Read the labels carefully and follow the advice. It may save your life or allow you to life longer than otherwise. For some that is a good thing. Others not so sure.

The main ingredient in WD40 is..........Fish oil.

[leftbrainstuff]

Originally Posted by maramu123

Hi all,

My question is simple maybe, but I feel I need to sure.

Can I use WD40 in the engine compartment to clean and preserve all parts, including alternators, electrical connections etc. etc. Or...should I dismount two alternators, isolate all connectors and maybe waste hours of time?

Thanks for any kind of helpfull reply.

WD40 is very similar to a diesel and kero mix. Stoddard solvent was something we also used to mix with diesel to provide a low cost preserver for protecting military vehicles in storage.

I avoid it in our engine room for several reasons:

1) the residue is oily and attracts dirt and crud. Makes working on the engine a messy experience
2) alternators and electrical equipment and connectors should be kept dry and free of dirt and crud.
3) anything we can do to prevent a fire or the severity if one starts is worthwhile doing. That oily residue is a fire hazard.

Here's what we do:

1) wipe up all spills as they occur
2) place an oil / water absorbent pad under the engine / trans to stop any non critical leaks or drips from making a mess
3) use an orange oil based biodegradable degreaser to keep all mechanical components clean. They leave no residue. Alternators and most good solid state regulators can handle a wash. Clean components make visual inspections and early leak detection possible. Degrease with the engine and components warm.
4) clean and repaint engine, trans, etc as needed.
5) keep the bilge spotless. Again visual inspections are key.
6) Any 'preserver' will stink. We dont have or want any diesel, oil or lubricant smells in the boat. If I smell it it means I go looking for a leak. Good preventative maintenance starts with cleanliness and orderliness.

All our electrical buses are mounted high so we degrease without wetting electrical connectors. Any connectors in wet or potentially oily areas are sealed so can handle a degrease and clean.

What sold me on our Liberty 458 was the clean and well laid out engine room. The previous owner was as OCD as me.

The only use for WD40 on our boat is as a frozen stud remover. Add heat and it works a treat.


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[model 10]

Originally Posted by weavis

The main ingredient in WD40 is..........Fish oil.

Now I understand more maybe.. I knew this helicopter pilot who had something wrong with his left elbow. He would spray WD-40 on it so he could finish out the day.

[chris mac]

Wd40 as mentioned earlier displaced water. I've used it on bad caterpillar infestations, dehydrated and kills entire nests quickly.
I know a few people that use it on arthritic joints as well. Same reasoning, it drys out the joint and it gives some temporary relief. I would suspect some negative long term results from this practise though.

[exMaggieDrum]

I know, I know - don't ever cite Wikipedia but:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

Doesn't sound like fish oil but may be it is.

Also found this:
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative...0-2960354.html - has the proof that it is fish oil, and a bunch of uses.

But, same site also has this:
http://beforeitsnews.com/politics/20...a-2743632.html

and a bunch of other crap. So who knows.

[weavis]

Originally Posted by exMaggieDrum

I know, I know - don't ever cite Wikipedia but:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

Doesn't sound like fish oil but may be it is.

RETRACTION:
it doesnt contain fish oil. Urban myth.

WD40 original formula is chemical based. I emailed them. They sent me this.

Fun WD-40 Facts - Read WD-40 Myths, Legends and More!

Oh well.. another one bites the dust.

[andyft]

I use red oil-ATF for lots off things, rusted bolts, as a rust preventive etc. etc. just put some in a squirt oil can and squirt away, much better and a lot cheaper than most of the stuff available, WD40 is a rip off.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

First, WD40 is NOT oil. Some people seem to think of it as a lubricant. It is a paraffin based material, sort of like cosmoline or heavy grease dispersed in a solvent. When the solvent leaves, only the sticky goo remains. This attracts dirt. If you preserve engine parts in WD40 you first need to wash off the goop before using them. There are many other better alternatives noted above.

While not a big fan of WD40.....There is no "sticky goo". Some people actually use it on guitar fingerboards and strings. Carlos Santana did years ago. I've tried it.


I've always been reasonably sure it is just oil/solvent based , their site confirms this:


“Today, the mineral spirits found in products like ours are more refined and processed (see hydrogenation, hydrotreating and distillation techniques) providing mixtures with varying boiling points, cleaning ability, and chemical composition. “


Arthritis use:


“WD-40® contains petroleum distillates and should be handled with the same precautions for any product containing this type of material. “

[Seamaster_IRL]

WD stands for Water Displacement. Good for this task, but not so good for lasting oil barrier on surfaces. I also prefer to use alternatives

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[mike d.]

Try PB Blaster, I will also leave residue. It will definitely clean off the crud! If you want to clean it, why not use the purple degreaser from Sam's Club, Walmart. You can put it diluted in a spray bottle, let it sit the rinse off. I use it all the time. You can leave it in the bilge for awhile, and it will help clean down there also, then just pump out, unless your in the water. There you can pump it into some buckets, then dispose.