How to get heavy built up dried grease off PTO shaft ?

[Usta]

I like xylene as stated earlier. About the strongest degreaser there is. Strong smelling stuff so use only in well ventilated area and do not use inside. You can get it in a gallon can at Aubuchon hardware for under 20 bucks.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would soak it in a solvent cleaner or diesel with solvent mixture for a few days. One easy way to do this is to get a piece of plastic pipe and glue a cap on one end, put the shaft or driveline in it and fill up the tube, then tie it to a post or fence outside.

 

[Soundguy]

What kind of solvent do you recommend soundguy ? Mineral spirits ? I have tried the spray on degreasers and they are not working...Thanks

diesel always seems to be what I have on hand.



soundguy

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I picked one of these up at PepBoys or Advance Auto...

I had 2 shafts off a Deere 246 Broom I picked up which were exactly as you describe...Soaked one end at a time for about a day or so each...took em out in about a 1/2 day and just brushed inside the hard to reach/heavily caked on areas with an old toothbrush...after the other 1/2 day of soak, they came out looking like new.

 

[galen1115]

I don't think what JerryK suggest is the right thing to do. When the next customer comes in and steps in the grease, now you have caused two or more people displeasure. I would take it to the closest sandblaster and he will use the right medium on it to clearn it properly.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd never sadblast something like that... it will get in the u joints.. plus you don't want to remove any media from the sliding shafts.

this is a plain and simple 'sweat equity' jhob with a stiff bristle brush, and scraper or screwdriver and some solvent, plus patience and time. A pressure washer will help but is not needed.

soundguy

 

[ETpilot]

I have a 4000 psi washer. I just degreased and cleaned my tractor. It does a very good job at removing caked on grease.

 

[dangerdoc]

We have used Easy Off oven cleaner to clean off difficult areas like you have. Ken Sweet

Make sure to use gloves and eye protection. That stuff is caustic and will blind you if you get it in the eyes!

 

[galen1115]

Soundguy, with the right medium you can "sandblast" just about any metal without harming the metal. My neighbor does this all the time, with beautiful results. But if he knows someone with a high pressure washer, that would give good results. Have done both but prefer sandblaster on small items.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Soundguy, with the right medium you can "sandblast" just about any metal without harming the metal. My neighbor does this all the time, with beautiful results. But if he knows someone with a high pressure washer, that would give good results. Have done both but prefer sandblaster on small items.

Actually sandblasting & grease does NOT mix....
I bring parts to have professionally sandblasted quite often...the single biggest rule there is NO GREASE. I can leave the welding slag on, flaking rust & paint...heck pine needles & leaves they dont care about, but if they see grease, they reject it on the spot...

Couple of reasons they explained...
A) If the grease is old & thick enough, the sand just sticks to the grease and the area under the grease will never be truly sandblasted..
B) in a system such as a professional blast booth that recycles sand, any grease will cause the sand to ball up and clog things up. Not only is clogging an issue, but then they need to change & clean the sand...