Originally Posted by cyccommute
Doubtful. In chemistry, one of the first rules you are taught is that 'like dissolves like'. Isopropyl alcohol is a polar compound that mixes well with water. Most lubricants are not too polar and don't mix that well with water (think oil and water). The less polar the solvent, the better it will work on lubricants. That's why mineral spirits, kerosene, diesel fuel and
gasoline work so well.
cyccommute, will diesel fuel actually work better than mineral spirits as a chain-gunk solvent/cleaner? If it does, then a gallon of diesel fuel being much more cheaper than a gallon of mineral spirits, is the way to go.
Please confirm also, that diesel fuel, being less volatile than gasoline would not burn the house down, if stored in a metal can in the garage.
You sound like a chemist. If so, what do you use as solvent/cleaner, and why?
Thanks.
Regards,