Penetrating fluid secrets

[bigdeano]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

 

[marchanna]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

I think that's generally the case with synthetics, which most cars seem to use now. Try the old school stuff like Dexron II and Mercon.

 

[fxdb96]

CRC Freeze Off - great stuff

 

[Travelover]

Another secret is to use anti seize compound when you put it back together. The stuff is great for things like aluminum wheels that stick on hubs.

 

[RalphVa]

The best penetrating fluid in a test that someone did (that included WD-40 and PB Blaster) was a mix of ATF and acetone. BY FAR, the lowest torque required to remove a bolt/nut. The ATF/acetone mix wasn't specified. Doubt it makes much difference: a little acetone in ATF; I think.

Ralph

 

[coobie]

Sea foam deep creep & strong arm brand.

 

[brown40]

I haven't found anything magical except for transitioning the parts from hot to cold.

I used to wait on oil, but always ended up using heat, so now I reach for heat (if I can) before I even try it cold.

If one has good cold source or an opportunity to chill the part before heating the surrounding area the heat/expansion differential is greater and creates a little more gap for penetration.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Fluid Film.

 

[fried1765]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

Try lacquer thinner instead of acetone.
Lacquer thinner will mix with ATF.

 

[Ford850]

I've read that original ATF 'test' repeated over and over for years. If you do some digging, you'll find articles disproving that test and disputing it's value. I've used most brands, and found Liquid Wrench works best for me. If you want to believe that old test, Liquid Wrench was rated nearly the same as Kroil. No matter what I use, I soak it, tap it hard several times with a hammer, and let it sit for days if needed. If I try it after an hour or a day with no luck, I re-soak it and tap it some more to help break up the tension.