Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Guys

One of the worst jobs I do every annual is clean the exhaust/ lead residue from the bottom of my plane . To date I have tried most cleaners, gas and varsol. It usually takes 1-2 hours laying on a creeper using multiple rags. This year I tried Brake Cleaner sprayed on a rag and what a difference it made. I was done in 15 minutes and it removed all the crap from the bottom. Not sure what everyone else does but I thought I would pass the tip on.

Regards,

Jim

I have been using aviation grade simple green, but I will keep the brake cleaner in mind. cheaper than simple green after you have it shipped for sure.

By "Brake Cleaner," do you mean CRC Brakleen? Stuff is awesome, please just be sure to use non-chlorinated. Otherwise, don't inhale ;--)

_________________
Philip Mandel
N118BC
S/N 957
Beaverton OR

Yes, that is the stuff.

I saw an article in Sport Aviation from a guy that used Goo Be Gone Citrus Spray Gel to remove exhaust stains from the bottom of his AC . Bought a bottle of the stuff and did a test spray on a small area . Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe the area with a clean rag. IT WORKED ! As with any cleaning product test on a small area BEFORE you go full bore with the cleaning. A little of the stuff goes a long way . BADA BING , BADA BOOM !

RB

NX115RX
2019

Jim, do you flush the airplane with water on the area you cleaned after using the brake cleaner?

I spray the brake cleaner on a rag so there is no real cloud or mist of the stuff. I wipe the lead and residue off. I have to flip the rag a few times because it becomes loaded with residue. Then I re-wipe with a soapy rag afterwards.