Wd40

[al_taka]

Just got in my first movement soaked with wd, I know it contaminates cleaning solution so what do I pre wash this thing with?

Is there anything in the known world that dissolves wd besides more wd?
I could put the movement in a zip lock bag with hot soapy water and float it in my ultrasonic.
:confused:

[harold bain]

Al, I usually give them a soak in paint thinner before putting it into the good stuff. Hot water rinse after the thinner soak.

[al_taka]

Thanks Harold

[Willie X]

Al,

Coleman Lantern Fuel and compressed air will remove the liquid residue.

Ultrasonic cleaning will usually remove what is left.

Many times only a complete disassembly with hand cleaning using the old methods of: sopy water, wood pegs, and stiff brushes, will get the job done.

Generally, if the WD-40 is still wet looking there is no problem.

If the movement has dried over several years leaving hard varnish where all the drips were ... big problems!

Willie X

[bchaps]

Al...I keep my old batch of cleaning solution in a 5 gallon bucket for movements like these. Saves the new fluid.

[al_taka]

Appreciate it Guys,
This movement was dripping with wd, I'll wash it off tomorrow. Then do a full and proper cleaning.
Its an old Gilbert bim bam movement that will come back to life in a couple of days. So far it needs bushings and lanterns and I am happy not to see punch marks around the pivots.

[Hayson]

Al, you're lucky it was dripping. Much worse if it has had a while to sit and solidify into green glue! Ah the hours I've spent removing stuck on CRC and wd40 from the inner crevices of pinions and winding mechs. Wait until you get a platform escapement that's been sprayed....

[Jeff Salmon]

Try some carburator/choke cleaner. I get it in a spray can with the long plastic tube. Nasty smelling but it works great and leaves no residue. Spray outside or in a well ventilated area. No smoking. After you get most of it off, then clean in the ultrasonic, after disassembly.

[Heritage-Clocks]

And if the movement has any plastic wheels or parts that are plastic.Don't spray them with carb cleaner.

[Anvil2k9]

hang on a sec guys,

are you actually telling me using WD 40 on movements is accepted here?

no way and because nobody will trust me as a newbie a quote from
David Weisbart, National Assoication of Watch and Clock
Collectors Graduate of the NAWCC School of Horology clock repair,
NAWCC Committee 2003

' Your suggestion to shoot WD40 into a clock movement is terrible advice.
WD 40 is not a proper clock lubricant. It is not intended for brass parts,
as it eventually leaches copper out of the brass. It fouls the cleaning
solutions used by proper clock repairmen. Clocks which have stopped due
to dried out oil can be damaged by continuing to be run with the very
temporary fix afforded by WD 40 (scored gear pivots, extra wear on
bearing holes). If the clock is worth keeping, it's worth having serviced
properly.'

I am using 3-IN-ONE professional lubricants. from the same Wd-40
company so they had their reasons to introduce it.

regards
Damian

[R. Croswell]

hang on a sec guys,

are you actually telling me using WD 40 on movements is accepted here?............
regards
Damian
I don't think so! But some products tend to be their own best solvents, so if the movement has already been sprayed with WD-40 re-spraying and letting it sit overnight can't make it any worse and may help to dissolve the dried up product. Then the movement can be cleaned by one of the means suggested to remove the liquid WD-40.

Most of the solvents that are effective on WD-40 present a fire and/or vapor risk and should be used outdoors. Super Clean (in a purple jug in Wal-Mart's automotive department) will remove just about anything. It's not flammable but it is caustic (use gloves) and will darken brass if left in it too long. Great stuff for cleaning the steel springs.

Bob C.

[Hayson]

hang on a sec guys,

are you actually telling me using WD 40 on movements is accepted here?

regards
Damian

Where precisely does anyone say that the use of WD40 is accepted?

[Anvil2k9]

@ Hayson (http://mb.nawcc.org/member.php?u=7158)

You are right and I have to apologise. I misread al_taka's question
presuming he was the oily initiator and the rest giving further advice.

I withdraw my reply though I would like to keep the quote.

regards
Damain

[al_taka]

I got all the dripping wd off with a quick soak in denatured alcohol, washed off with hot water and it cleaned up nice in the ultrasonic and rinses.

Got the movement apart now, nine bushings, lever springs, mainsprings, polished up the pivots, polished the plates. Looks like this movement came back from the dead very nicely.

Thanks for everyones help,

[Hayson]

@ Hayson (http://mb.nawcc.org/member.php?u=7158)

I withdraw my reply though I would like to keep the quote.

regards
Damain

Cool :thumb: