By Chris Heili (Trailboss) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Does anyone know how potent a de-greaser you can use on an HDPE plastic body. I am restoring a Trail Boss and need to remove a ton of gunk from the bottom. Will de-greasers attack or damage HDPE plasic? What do you use?
Thanks, Chris

By chuck Ardizzone on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Chris
I am not sure about most degreasers, but the citrus based ones work pretty well and shouldn't hurt the body.

Chuck

By E L McKenney on Unrecorded Date: Edit

they use hdpe to store acids in, I am using pro strip paint remover with no effect on the body

By Craig Wentling (Craig2) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is impervious to anything you want to throw at it. Gasoline, oil, antifreeze, battery acid (H2SO4), etc. It is only affected by high temperatures (melting), but short of being on fire you can't hurt it.

By jerry on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Craig, be careful with statements like that. I wouldn't suggest acetone (makes plastics dry and brittle)and especially not 1.1.1. trichloroethane (makes plastic go away). I'm sure there are many others too that will turn your machine into a big blob of goo right in your driveway. Keep in mind that not all solvents are sold in plastic containers. Next time you're in a hardware store take a look at the mineral spirits, enamel thinners, paint strippers, acetone, trich, methylethylketone better known as M.E.K. They're all stored in either glass or metal cans not plastic. --- Chris, the best degreaser I have found is plain ol kerosene or diesel fuel on the soiled areas followed up with a good soap and water bath. Its cheap and works best. WD-40 also works good.

By Lazerman (Lazerman) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jerry
What about carburetor cleaner?
I used some to clean chain lube off the
bottom side of the top part of the body.
It took it right off and didn't seem to
effect the plastic at all.

Thanks
Brad

By jerry on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Brad, I think I'd be leery. Gumout carb cleaner contains naptha, MEK, and propane (as a propellant) Other carb cleaners use toluene, benzene, and hexane. Some chemicals, such as the trich produce an acute (rapid) reaction. Others such as ketones and esters can produce a more chronic or long term degradation that includes brittleness, and/or fading of color. Most industrial products have a label on them that indicates compatabilities as well as incompatabilities. They also have a phone number to call for questions. Lastly, use extreme care when handling any solvent, including gasoline and diesel. Most chemicals worth a crap for cleaning also contain a well known cancer causing carcinogen called Methyl-eythyl-nasty-$#!t. So please make sure you use proper protective devices including skin, respiratory and eye protection.

By kush on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Guys, I tried just about everything on my Attex. BUt what worked with hardly any elbow grease. Was outdoor patio furniture cleaner. Spray it on & watch it go to work!

By Craig Wentling (Craig2) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Well Jerry unless you have a Masters degree in Chemistry, your wrong. HDPE is not merely a plastic. Look it up. Acetone and Tric will not harm HDPE. MEK is a known carcinogen and was banned from the military 14 years ago, besides it won't harm HDPE either. Have a nice Day. :)

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lazerman,

Don't user carb cleaner it will eat the plastic away! If you read the side of the can it says not to use on plastic. You can damage it.

By Lazerman (Lazerman) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks eveyone!
Just to be on the safe side, think I'll avoid the carb cleaner.

By Gerald Talston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You know Craig, you're probably right. I've got a feeling that you're the kind of guy that's always right. There's probably nothing that will hurt your machine.

Also for your info, no I don't have a Masters degree in chemistry. But for the last 22 years I have operated a custom yacht detailing business that prepares luxury vessel for brokerage listing. It is very important that I know what is safe for use and what isn't.

By Craig Wentling (Craig2) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Well I'm not a know it all as you suspect. I just research things before I make a statement. I never said anything would not hurt my machine. Perchloric acid or nitric acid, or any other very strong oxidizing acid at high temperatures will. But I doubt you will find these at Wal Mart or NAPA.
What I don't care for is people giving out advice that is not accurate. Playing at being a know it all doesn't help anyone.

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Laz,

You can try boat cleaner they make quite a few and I've found it works well and will not hurt your atv. You can buy it at Walmart in the fishing section. Also while I'm on the subject of Walmart they sell gallons of two-cycle oil made by super tech. I've bought a few they are cheap about 4 dollars and it runs well in my jlo.

By Pete Stefan on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hi Chris
Take your machine to a do it yourself car wash.
Most of them have a bay with extra high preasure
for cleaning 4x4's and big trucks.The extra high preasure and the detergent they use should remove
any grease and will not harm your body.
Good luck
Greek