WD-40... is it safe on motors?

[outsider]

In a pinch if I run out of motor spray, is it safe to use WD-40?

[ZenLosi]

I wouldn't.


-Zen

[XXXER]

Nope, do not use brake cleaner, or engine degreaser either.

You can use some of that "Canned Air" stuff though, it is pretty cool.

[rims']

i wouldnt try it hehe i beat jeep to this one

[jeepinator]

I agree with XXXER's warning not to use it, but I disagree that it is UNsafe.
Having a dirty motor is prolly better than using WD-40. The WD will probably not clean that well, will leave a residue that will positively ATTRACT dust and dirt, and may just "gum up" after repeated use.
In other words, WD-40 itself will not hurt your motor at all, but the effect of using it may make things worse.

[jeepinator]

DANG !

LOL! :p

http://www.theshreves.com/pics/smiley/uhoh3.gif http://www.theshreves.com/pics/smiley/uhoh3.gif http://www.theshreves.com/pics/smiley/uhoh3.gif http://www.theshreves.com/pics/smiley/uhoh3.gif

[ 08-09-2001: Message edited by: jeepinator ]

[Gutter Ball]

Lots of guys swear the ABS brake cleaner is the same thing...but I won't try it. I wouldn't use WD-40 either, the oily residue will attract dirt(like Jeep said).

[ChumsGum]

WD-40 is bad for a motor but what's wrong with brake cleaner? I thought it was the same thing as RC motor spray.

[Gabe]

Brake kleen is not a good idea... it is untested on plastics on big cars the only plastics in the area is the RUBBER boots covering steel parts...
I dont think it will attack the carbon deposits the way an electric cleaner will it is more of a degreaser best of my knoledge
you've been warned...
WD-40 is like GREASE don't bother unless you want to see smoke pour out of the motor

[ 08-09-2001: Message edited by: G-RC ]

[Railman]

We've been using brake cleaner for many years without any adverse effects at all. We also use regular RC motor spray on occasion. If their is a difference it's minimal. The important thing to remember about brake cleaner is to make sure that it's NON CLORINATED, & once you find a brand that works for you stay with it. Ours (Albany) costs $1.50 a can, & we have used 30 to 50 cans of it. Clorinated cleaners have something similar to carbontetracloride which will literally explode some plastics when it comes in contact in spray form. I used to use carbon tet to clean slot car motors, as did most people, back in the early 70's because it was the best thing to use at the time. Many specialty spray lubes have clorinated components in them also and will also explode some types of plastics. I know this from personal experience. It happened to a blade gaurd on a brand new mitre box...sprayed it on & it literally exploded. Just my $.02

[roadrage]

Sweet! smoke pouring out of my motor!! Now i can have a "nitro" car at half the price!! :D

[tc3mike]

If you run out of motor spray and want to find a sub. Test a replacement by spraying it on your finger. If it completly washes away with no residue give it a whirll. BTW CRC, which makes "Brake Cleaner" also sells motor spray that works great in a 19 oz. can for about $2. try it

[SwedishPhish]

lol I used WD-40 once when i was cleaning out my motor. It screwed the thing up a bit. It smelt like WD-40 for weeks until i was breaking in some new brushes (underwater) and that totally rided my motor of the WD-40. Dont use it. It wont make too much of a differance, but it slows your motor down a bit.