Alternative to Low-VOC Brake Cleaner ?

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    • Official Post

    I got a few cans at Gordos to clean the engine up while I was regasketing it.. well apparently PA (and of course CA and other states I assume) only sells the Non-Chlorinated kind and that stuff was worthless.. I haven't used it in years and I had forgotten just how useless it was.

    Just figured I would mention in case others who read this don't realize there are two kinds.. the one that is nothing more than a weak lacquer thinner in a spray can and the good stuff.

    The GREEN kind of takes off brake dust.. it takes 4 cans and a lot of scrubbing to do what one can does and doesn't do it as good.

    The other kind actually will dissolve paint and gunk in a motor or on brakes or damn near anything.. it puts the SOLVE in Solvent.

    If you live in a state with stupid environmental laws ( Look I am all for what good for the environment.. but this is a stupid law ). They will ONLY sell the kind that says things like "Green" or "Low-VOC" or "non-Chlorinated".

    So I guess I should ask for those that do live in those areas and know what I am talking about.. whats the alternative that they DO sell ?

    Non-chlorinated is a given in my trade. If you weld on something that was previously cleaned with chlorinated brake clean, it creates phosgene gas. Breathe it in, and you create serious health issues, or you die.

    I've used non-chlorinated NAPA brake clean and honestly it works just fine. Not up to speed on other brands.

    • Official Post
    Quote from Rallybob

    Non-chlorinated is a given in my trade. If you weld on something that was previously cleaned with chlorinated brake clean, it creates phosgene gas. Breathe it in, and you create serious health issues, or you die.

    I've used non-chlorinated NAPA brake clean and honestly it works just fine. Not up to speed on other brands.

    Good to know that. Thanks, Bob.