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

[galen1115]

I called my neighbor, Tom which restores antique cars, he said he uses walnut shells to blast grease or oil. You are right about the sand, Tom said it will ball up, and clog. He doesn't reuse the shells after blasting.

 

[Scotty370]

Gotta admit that I've done the JerryK deal with a 'Pig-Roaster'. Probably not the nicest thing to leave for the next occupant!

 

[Soundguy]

I don't like san blasting as it can deform thin metal.

even soda and bead blasting still leaves abrasive media everywhere, IMHO.. blasting is a 'cheat' to get out of some elbow work.. in some cases it's ok.. like blasting disassembled parts like rims and frames and whatnot.. but for assemblies and anything with bearings or multiple parts.. I'll do the elbow work and save the abrasive machine shot gun..

soundguy

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...