PVC tube motor casing cleaning

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Bruce, I have a seal disk if you need one…

Thanks, Ken. I have an extra one from another casing. I’ll get another one from Tim. Don’t you hate it when that happens? 😉

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

If I don’t clean them onsite during a launch, I throw them into a tupperware with a mix of white vinegar, Zep de-greaser, Simple Green and water overnight. Next day I use a kind of bottle brush (I have sizes for 29mm through 98mm I got at McGuckin’s housewares department). Never had a problem. I do like the idea of the soak on the way home, but it really doesn’t matter much. With that mix, I’ve never had a problem cleaning cases that have even waited a few weeks before I got around to ’em. Never seen a trace of pitting either.

Warren

[Jeffrey Joe HintonModerator]

Funny, I’ve always used elbow grease and sweat to clean up the propellant residue. And maybe a few wet wipes and WD40, or carb cleaner or CLP, whatevers on hand and then whatever liquid dishwashing soap is on the counter at home. The kitchen sink is where the action is.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

The kitchen sink is where the action is.

My ideal is cleaning them in the kitchen sink BEFORE my wife gets home after launches. Ha, ha… Otherwise, well, I’m trying to come up with something else. The vinegar, dishwashing liquid and water worked great. It didn’t sit too long, and if it did, I really do believe the vinegar (acetic acid) would do some damage over time and many washings. Since I tend to be over-cautious in all respects in rocketry, I’m gonna mark the time I use vinegar (<4-5 hrs.), or just use the dishwashing liquid if it's going to sit for a long time.

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

The kitchen sink is a dangerous place for a married man with hobbies…

W

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

The kitchen sink is a dangerous place for a married man with hobbies…

Not to mention ferric chloride poured in the toilet after use for etching circuit boards. 😉

[Author]

Posts