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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Red Rider on October 04, 2010, 09:33:17 AM

Title: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Red Rider on October 04, 2010, 09:33:17 AM
Over the pat several year I have been using a product called "B-52" which is made by the Hollander Corp. out of GA. We live in Utah so we don't have access to the larger markets such as SoCal. Our local supply house quit inventoring it. I called the factory and they gave me the old" we'll call you back" trick so I still can't find any of this product.

First, does anybody have a source for this unbelievable degreaser or better yet any advise on a comparable degreaser that will keep the 8v-71 clean but not harm hoses or wiring?

Thanks in advance

Red Rider
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Len Silva on October 04, 2010, 10:32:39 AM
Looks like you can order online.
http://www.hollanderproducts.com/ (http://www.hollanderproducts.com/)
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: luvrbus on October 04, 2010, 10:39:25 AM
Red, Oil Eater at Sam's Club best you can buy

good luck
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Red Rider on October 04, 2010, 04:04:48 PM
Thanks Len,

I tried to order on line. When you "submit" the purchase it says "web page not available". That prompted me to call the Mfgr and they told me the prices where all wrong and I'd have to purchase 40 cases. Their sales people where supposed to be looking for a local stocking dealer and where going to call me back but somehow never did.

All this has gotten me to this point of asking the Board for help. It seems that Sam's is my next stop.

Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: dougyes on October 04, 2010, 04:17:21 PM
I've been using the purple stuff from Advance Auto on the engine, but it can discolor aluminum so keep it away from aluminum wheels. Does B-52 or Sam's degreaser discolor aluminum also?
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: eddiepotts on October 04, 2010, 04:27:47 PM
If your not removing years of grease and oil buildup you might be surprised with house hold 409. I have used it for years on my pinball machine play fields. It will strip the wax and oils without hurting any of the electronics or paint. I use it on my engines now and have not had a problem. I jst rinse it off with water.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Red Rider on October 04, 2010, 04:40:32 PM
B-52 alias "the Brown Bomber" DOES dull alum. However as long as it doesn't contact more than a few minutes I didn't see evidence.

Wouldn't it be a hoot if good old 409 or fantastic could do the job?

Thanks again everybody.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Marcus on October 04, 2010, 05:34:28 PM
The best thing i have found ,works on grease,mildew, whatever." L.A. Totally Awsome" concentrated soap. Only place that sells it is family dollar store . $ 3.00 for half gallon. Full strength on grease. hose it off.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Don4107 on October 04, 2010, 10:56:44 PM
It is sold at a dollar store and it costs $3.00.   ;D 
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: oldmansax on October 05, 2010, 05:18:02 AM
This was posted by Driver over on the Bluebird forum. I have not tried it but I am going to.

TOM


5 Steps to Detailing a Engine - With Professional Results

Supplies:

    * Windex (3-4 bottles)
    * Armor All (or some other tire/rubber protectant 3-4 lg bottles)
    * A couple of old socks
    * Water hose and low pressure nozzle

Buy extra, you can always use it somewhere else. Naturally stay away from any potentially sensitive areas that are not water resistant. On my car I had a cone intake filter and the distributor but everywhere else was good to go, on the coach there was a couple of areas with fuse blocks and I just stayed away from there. Don't forget the genny if it's an open design.

Step 1: Liberally spray Armor All EVERYWHERE you can, don't be stingy. It'll act as a penetrating agent and is safe for every surface i can think of. You want it to cut the grime.

Step 2: Close the compartment then Start and run the engine to warm it up. The heat will help the Armor All penetrate the accumulated grime. Apply more ArmorAll anywhere you see soaking up and drying out. After 5 minutes of running warm (doesn't need to get to full temp). Turn it off.

Step 3: Apply the Windex EVERYWHERE. This will cut (dilute) the Armor All. Start and run for 5 more minutes (close the hood you want it to be steamy if possible).

Step 4: Take the water hose and gently wash away the grime and stuff from years gone by. There's not much that's not waterproof on a engine but stay away from high pressure.

If you still have pockets of heavy grime you can spot treat directly, scrape it away, etc... or repeat 1-4 again.

Now you can stop here if you want and the results will actually be quite good. Subsequent Windex treatments are needed if you are going to touch up the paint anywhere, as the Windex doesn't totally remove all of the ArmorAll. But to take it to the next level try the socks and a little more ArmorAll.

Step 5: With the socks on your hands spray a little more Armor All lightly and wipe down everything in sight. This will even out the protectant and get rid of dry spots on the hoses. They will look like NEW. Be careful of sharp edges. The results generally will make the engine, hoses, paintwork look FACTORY FRESH. Better results than any I have ever seen from a "Detailer".

One last note: Don't do this in the driveway. The road grime coming off is disgusting and will stain your concrete and possibly garner the DW's wrath. Do it at the curb if possible. And don't forget the Generator as well.

Time? 2-3 hours by yourself. Get help, there's a lot of room to cover in a pusher.

Repeat Annually and you'll be proud to show off the mechanicals at any time. And your mechanic will love not working on a grimy, slimy motor.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Red Rider on October 05, 2010, 08:19:59 AM
What a deal. thanks Tom,

So much for looking for odd brands. The formula you posted can not only get my engine house polished but I can keep it that way. WM here we com.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: thomasinnv on October 05, 2010, 08:24:16 AM
I second Clifford's recommendation of oil eaters.  awesome stuff.  spray on, hose off and you can eat off the engine it's so clean.
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: loosenut on October 05, 2010, 11:38:50 AM
Quote from: Marcus on October 04, 2010, 05:34:28 PM
The best thing i have found ,works on grease,mildew, whatever." L.A. Totally Awsome" concentrated soap. Only place that sells it is family dollar store . $ 3.00 for half gallon. Full strength on grease. hose it off.

I recently bought "LA Totally Awsome" at Walmart for $1.00.  I haven't used it yet.  My neighbor recommends Dawn dishwashing liquid. 

Mike
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: oldmansax on October 05, 2010, 03:01:59 PM
Quote from: Red Rider on October 05, 2010, 08:19:59 AM
What a deal. thanks Tom,

So much for looking for odd brands. The formula you posted can not only get my engine house polished but I can keep it that way. WM here we com.

Like I said, I have not tried this so let us know how it works!

TOM
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: TomC on October 05, 2010, 07:11:11 PM
I've been in the trucking industry for over 34 years and have the best degreaser yet!  Oil Eater!  It is available on line by the case.  I use it for just about everything.  Mixed 50/50, it degreases most anything.  Mixed 25% and 75% water, makes for good degreasing and spotting of the carpeting.  It smells nice and you just won't believe what it degreases.  My wife uses it on my clothes that I've worked on the bus with-soaks the clothes in it.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Degreaser anyone?
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on October 05, 2010, 07:23:38 PM
I use Dawn Dishwashing Liquid for getting the grease and oil off of me when i am through working on the bus.  Might have to see how Oil Eaters works on me. ;D