Hyd cylinder: paint removal~ Best way 2 do so?

Coyote machine · Nov 13, 2015

Just bought a tree shear and the 5" cylinder came with a ring of paint on the ram where it was painted at the factory. This ring stands proud on the ram, and might cause the seal to fail and start leaking. What would be the best thing(s) to use to remove it without damage to the ram?
Steel wool? Chemical remover?

Thanks,

CM

muddstopper · Nov 13, 2015

The cyl should have been fully retracted when it was painted, so the paint ring should never pass thru the seal. If the shaft wasnt fully retracted, than I would just use paint stripper. If I didnt think the painted part could enter past the seal, I would just scrape the paint off with my pocket knife. What doesnt go inside the cyl isnt going to hurt it.

Industrial Toys · Nov 13, 2015

Extend it a bit and maybe soften up the paint with a propane torch. I have never seen the paint stick to the chrome very well anyway. Maybe use a kitchen (non metalic) scrubber like for a teflon pan.

But let's back up here a minute. Don't you think pictures are in order for such an occasion?

davesl708 · Nov 13, 2015

Acetone is good and won't hurt the metal. Oil it up afterwards.

Coyote machine · Nov 13, 2015

muddstopper said:
The cyl should have been fully retracted when it was painted, so the paint ring should never pass thru the seal. If the shaft wasnt fully retracted, than I would just use paint stripper. If I didnt think the painted part could enter past the seal, I would just scrape the paint off with my pocket knife. What doesnt go inside the cyl isnt going to hurt it.

If it had been done right it wouldn't be an issue, but it wasn't, and it is.
There is paint where the ram closes at the end of the cut stroke, which is why I want it removed, before the high spots ruin the seal on the cylinder.

Industrial Toys said:
Extend it a bit and maybe soften up the paint with a propane torch. I have never seen the paint stick to the chrome very well anyway. Maybe use a kitchen (non metalic) scrubber like for a teflon pan.

But let's back up here a minute. Don't you think pictures are in order for such an occasion?

I like the torch idea - this paint is stuck pretty good- it might have been oven baked?

Pics- yeah, working on it for the other thread about my tree shear....

davesl708 said:
Acetone is good and won't hurt the metal. Oil it up afterwards.

Another good idea! Thanks.:thumbsup:

Coyote machine · Nov 14, 2015

I did the propane torch on the ram and used a contour gauge as a scraper 'cause it was handy. All paint removed. Sprayed with Fluid Film, then Wurth Rust Off. Ran fine today.
Pics taken- to be shown later when I get time to upload.

Thanks for input guys.:thumbsup: