Bicycle Mechanics - Cleaning with GAS

Hello
I was just wondering if it is okay to clean your drive train with gasoline such as the chain, crank, etc. I have done it a few times on my MTB and it works great. Does anyone know anything about this that i should know??
Thanks,
Ian

I would never ever recommend using gasoline as a cleaning agent due to its low flash point. A gasoline fire will get all over you in a hurry, just not worth the risk.

Diesel fuel, kerosene, and mineral spirits are much safer, yet there is some risk with them also.

Al

its really not good for you. I mean it works, it works super well but so does simple green....or oranj peelz degreaser from pedros, without the risk and health problems

Its also a great idea to soak your drivetrain in gasoline and then do a pedal grind.

Well, don't smoke around it if you must.

Why would you use gas when you have other options?

Koffee

Sounds like a pretty good troll to me!

Here's an idea that I've heard . . . when you want to check the level of gas in the container, use a lighter put close to the hole so you can see. Should be a very . . . umm, enlightening experience!

In case this wasn't a troll -- sorry -- you should really consider something less toxic/dangerous/etc., such as Simple Green or other degreaser.

:: awaits inevitable flames admonishing that the stuff you remove from the drivetrain is still toxic, and gives a knowing glance ::

I think flaming this thread would be dangerous.

Takes paint off a bike chain fer sure.
I used it once when no thinner and spray painting out scratches.

Using gas is kinda eco unfriendly, I just use water, dishsoap and a toothbrush.

a flaming chain, on a bike especially, would be a site to see.

With gas as expensive as it is why not just use a citrus based cleaner?

Brake Parts Cleaner for abou $3 a can. It's still flammable but much safer and easier to use.

Hello
I was just wondering if it is okay to clean your drive train with gasoline...Does anyone know anything about this that i should know?

Yeah - gasoline contains a high percentage of benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon that causes cancer. The benzene concentration is why service stations all became "self service" - the service-station-attendants who formerly pumped gasoline all day were getting seriously dosed with benzene from the vapors. You can't avoid benzene exposure while you gas up your car (unless you use a respirator), but you shouldn't invite extra exposure by using gasoline as a solvent.

Also, the benzene in gasoline can enter your body through your skin as well. This is another reason not to use gasoline as a cleaner.

Finally, as mentioned in other replies, the vapors of gasoline are HIGHLY flammable, and are also heavier than air. This means that a flammable vapor cloud from the gasoline can travel significant distances through sewers, ditches, or other low spots - find a source of ignition - and flash back to the source.

Overall - non-flammable and less-flammable solvents are readily available that are significantly less toxic. Use them instead of gasoline.

Thanks.

Home Depot sells ZEP citrus-based degreaser/cleaner for $7.58/gallon. Good stuff.

http://snipurl.com/dur2

Just dont use gasoline around your meth lab or you'll spoil the batch.
Let experience be your guide.

Enjoy

The benzene concentration is why service stations all became "self service" - the service-station-attendants who formerly pumped gasoline all day were getting seriously dosed with benzene from the vapors.

Who told you that one? It was simply the fact that people were no longer willing to pay extra for the service. Or in other words, were willing to do it themselves to save some money. My father owned several gas stations that went through the transition of full service only - full / self - then self service only. Benzene exposure had nothing to do with it.

I think flaming this thread would be dangerous.

ha-ha-ha-ha :D

If you have absolutely nothing else to use (on distant tour with no options, etc) then I'd say do it. Use as little as possible, make sure there's no obvious ignition sources nearby and do it outdoors! We used to do that with engine parts when we lived in a remote campsite, 200km from the nearest road. Our only potential de-greasers were the gasoline, naptha, and such supplies that the helicopter dropped off for us. So it CAN be done, but it is far from ideal. If there was any other option, I'd say go for it.

Who told you that one? It was simply the fact that people were no longer willing to pay extra for the service. Or in other words, were willing to do it themselves to save some money. My father owned several gas stations that went through the transition of full service only - full / self - then self service only. Benzene exposure had nothing to do with it.It sounds like more environmentalist BS to me.

The FDA has just outlawed my Albuterol inhaler due to environmental reasons. The claim is that the chlorofluorocarbon propellants are depleting the ozone layer. They make it sound as though millions of people are standing outside spraying their precious metered doses right up into the atmostphere. What hooey. I NEED that inhaler.

Notice how the original poster has left. Nice trolling action.

Why run the risk of a fire. Simple Green is cheap and available at any hardware or auto supply store. Keep it "simple"

It sounds like more environmentalist BS to me.

The sad thing is that a lot of that BS is simply about money. People and groups generate reports that support whatever they want and take them to the government to receive funding to fight off the impending doom. That way they have a job for several years.

Cows burping and farting produce more environmentally harmful gasses than just about anything. Let’s outlaw them. :eek:

Some such causes are very legitimate; I did not say ALL......

The sad thing is that a lot of that BS is simply about money. People and groups generate reports that support whatever they want and take them to the government to receive funding to fight off the impending doom. That way they have a job for several years.

Cows burping and farting produce more environmentally harmful gasses than just about anything. Let’s outlaw them. :eek: Let's give those cows the death penalty and go have a cheeseburger! :D


Some such causes are very legitimate; I did not say ALL...... I agree. But outlawing Albuterol inhalers to asthma patients is absurd. If they really wanted to do some good they would outlaw cigarettes. Cancer sticks don't do a damned thing for anybody except supply profits to corporations and tobacco farmers and politicians. I can't even go to a pub and enjoy a few beers without gagging on somebody's stink.

In 2001, 20 million Americans had asthma, including 6.3 million children. That was up from 6.7 Americans with asthma in 1980.

It sounds like more environmentalist BS to me.

The FDA has just outlawed my Albuterol inhaler due to environmental reasons. The claim is that the chlorofluorocarbon propellants are depleting the ozone layer. They make it sound as though millions of people are standing outside spraying their precious metered doses right up into the atmostphere. What hooey. I NEED that inhaler.

I've read many of your posts and have a great deal of respect for you, but you're telling only half of the story here.

The FDA did not just hang your @ss out to dry. What they did do is to require that the current inhalers, using environmentally harmful CFC's, be phased out by 12/31/08, based on the presence of a suitable alternative that does not harm the environment. There will be two suppliers of the new version, ensuring at least some level of competition (theoretically preventing price gouging).

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=22065

Let's give those cows the death penalty and go have a cheeseburger! :D

But then you've just transferred the source of emissions to yourself. ;)

I've read many of your posts and have a great deal of respect for you, but you're telling only half of the story here.

The FDA did not just hang your @ss out to dry. What they did do is to require that the current inhalers, using environmentally harmful CFC's, be phased out by 12/31/08, based on the presence of a suitable alternative that does not harm the environment. There will be two suppliers of the new version, ensuring at least some level of competition (theoretically preventing price gouging).

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=22065That should read allegedly harm the environment. Cow farts are much worse. Fortunately, I don't have to inhale them.

Yes true. I should have stated that it was being phased out for a supposedly more environmentally friendly and much more expensive medication. The article I read, stated the newer medication would cost $20 more. That's quite a percentage increase for an uninsured person like me.

I have used some of the powdered medications before. In fact I'm using two of them (Serevent & Pulmicort) right now as I've a nasty case of bronchitis that has stuck around for months. The problem with the powdered inhalers are they just don't seem to work very well. The powder goes into the back of my mouth and onto my tounge and just sits there tasting all gritty and nasty. The Albuterol always seemed to go straight into the lungs and do it's job well.

But then you've just transferred the source of emissions to yourself. ;)I'm being retrofitted for a muffler!

That should read allegedly harm the environment. Cow farts are much worse. Fortunately, I don't have to inhale them.

Fair point. My car has a filtration system for the pastoral parts of the country ;)


Yes true. I should have stated that it was being phased out for a supposedly more environmentally friendly and much more expensive medication. The article I read, stated the newer medication would cost $20 more. That's quite a percentage increase for an uninsured person like me.

Help may be on the way. Quoting here (http://www.in-pharmatechnologist.com/news/news-ng.asp?n=59137-fda-sets-deadline):

"Last year, the FDA had said it was concerned that up to a million canisters of albuterol may fail to reach patients after the ban because of price rises. But it now says the companies have committed to a range of access programmes, including MDI giveaways, coupons for reducing the price paid and patient-assistance programs based on financial need, that circumvent this problem"

Hopefully, you'll be covered by one of those programs. Giveaways are good :)

This is strange. I ran into a guy while out riding today and his bike looked spiffy clean. I asked him how he got it so shiny and he replied "diesel fuel". He claims it isn't flammable, so it's safe to use. I still am leery at the thought of handling gas, though.

Koffee

This is strange. I ran into a guy while out riding today and his bike looked spiffy clean. I asked him how he got it so shiny and he replied "diesel fuel". He claims it isn't flammable, so it's safe to use. I still am leery at the thought of handling gas, though.

Higher flash point than gasoline (http://tdiclub.com/articles/Diesel_Fuel_Guidlines/) = greater safety than gasoline . . . but . . . why bother when so many inexpensive products work as well, are safer yet, and are less environmentally damaging?

Might be an idea if touring...and fun, pull up to the gas, get the smallest amount possible, clean your drive.

That should read allegedly harm the environment. Cow farts are much worse. Fortunately, I don't have to inhale them.

Yes true. I should have stated that it was being phased out for a supposedly more environmentally friendly and much more expensive medication. The article I read, stated the newer medication would cost $20 more. That's quite a percentage increase for an uninsured person like me.

There is no allegedly about the damage that chlorinated fluorocarbon (CFC) do to the ozone layer on this planet. On CFC molecule will catalyze thousands of reactions with the unstable ozone molecule high in the atmosphere. The ozone molecules are formed from the interaction of UV rays with the available oxygen at these altitudes which absorb the energy of the UV rays, thus preventing it from reaching the surface where it could do damage to living tissue. CFC are very stable molecules that have very long lifetimes so the CFC that are released today won't reach the upper parts of the atmosphere for decades where they will destroy ozone for decades more. There are other propellents that can be used that are not as stable and not as dangerous to the environment. They are, unfortunately, expensive at this point in time, but the expense to me, you and the rest of society for continuing to use CFC's is far higher. Exposure to UV will, not might but will, result in damage to tissue that can lead to more cancers which will cost us all more.

Higher flash point than gasoline (http://tdiclub.com/articles/Diesel_Fuel_Guidlines/) = greater safety than gasoline . . . but . . . why bother when so many inexpensive products work as well, are safer yet, and are less environmentally damaging?

It's also more of an oil, less of a solvent. It doesn't evaporate as quickly or cleanly as gasoline (which you probably shouldn't use for all of the reasons given above). Kerosene would probably be better. Closer to gasoline in solvent power while not as oily as diesel. But, as with all petrochemicals, be careful because they are all flammable enough to be dangerous.

Notice how the original poster has left. Nice trolling action.

It's amazing how well this works sometimes. :rolleyes:

Who told you that one?.. My father owned several gas stations that went through the transition of full service only - full / self - then self service only. Benzene exposure had nothing to do with it.

Heard it from an OSHA agent.

There is no allegedly about the damage that chlorinated fluorocarbon (CFC) do to the ozone layer on this planet. On CFC molecule will catalyze thousands of reactions with the unstable ozone molecule high in the atmosphere. The ozone molecules are formed from the interaction of UV rays with the available oxygen at these altitudes which absorb the energy of the UV rays, thus preventing it from reaching the surface where it could do damage to living tissue. CFC are very stable molecules that have very long lifetimes so the CFC that are released today won't reach the upper parts of the atmosphere for decades where they will destroy ozone for decades more. There are other propellents that can be used that are not as stable and not as dangerous to the environment. They are, unfortunately, expensive at this point in time, but the expense to me, you and the rest of society for continuing to use CFC's is far higher. Exposure to UV will, not might but will, result in damage to tissue that can lead to more cancers which will cost us all more.I knew I'd regret using that term. The reason I used allegedly there is because of the number of inhalers in use. Yes CFC's in quantity has been proven to be detrimental. However, the trivial amounts that result from asthma inhalers are inconsequential. Which would produce more damage to the atmosphere? Asthma inhalers or the millions of cars in the U.S.? The answer is obvious so why does the government need to pick on people who need those medicines? It's just going to drive the cost up.

Besides, if this country really gave a damn about pollution then we wouldn't be importing so much stuff manufactured in countries like Mexico or China where there are few if any environmental regulations and pollution is rampant.

I suppose asthmatics are easy targets for such regulations though as we tend to wheeze when trying to run away from such things. :D

Fair point. My car has a filtration system for the pastoral parts of the country ;)



Help may be on the way. Quoting here (http://www.in-pharmatechnologist.com/news/news-ng.asp?n=59137-fda-sets-deadline):

"Last year, the FDA had said it was concerned that up to a million canisters of albuterol may fail to reach patients after the ban because of price rises. But it now says the companies have committed to a range of access programmes, including MDI giveaways, coupons for reducing the price paid and patient-assistance programs based on financial need, that circumvent this problem"

Hopefully, you'll be covered by one of those programs. Giveaways are good :)The last freebie I qualified for was a student loan years and years ago. Even though I don't have an income I have too much in the way of assets to be eligible for the goodies. Nope, I can assure you the additional cost will be borne from my pocket. Thanks for the link though. It's good to know that something will be done for the general populace. The price of medicine is just way out of control.

I knew I'd regret using that term. The reason I used allegedly there is because of the number of inhalers in use. Yes CFC's in quantity has been proven to be detrimental. However, the trivial amounts that result from asthma inhalers are inconsequential. Which would produce more damage to the atmosphere? Asthma inhalers or the millions of cars in the U.S.? The answer is obvious so why does the government need to pick on people who need those medicines? It's just going to drive the cost up.

Besides, if this country really gave a damn about pollution then we wouldn't be importing so much stuff manufactured in countries like Mexico or China where there are few if any environmental regulations and pollution is rampant.

I suppose asthmatics are easy targets for such regulations though as we tend to wheeze when trying to run away from such things. :D

CFC's have already been removed from cars and from all refrigerants. All CFC manufacture and use has been banned worldwide by international treaty. We signed and ratified the Montreal Accords so we are bound by the Constitution to the terms. I know this doesn't help your situation and I understand your frustration but this was decided by all parties (governments) involved that it was the proper course.

CFC's have already been removed from cars and from all refrigerants. All CFC manufacture and use has been banned worldwide by international treaty. We signed and ratified the Montreal Accords so we are bound by the Constitution to the terms. I know this doesn't help your situation and I understand your frustration but this was decided by all parties (governments) involved that it was the proper course.

Sure, all that's true, but let's skip to the bottom line: it really is a conspiracy to get BF's own Doctor Morbius ;)

I knew I'd regret using that term. The reason I used allegedly there is because of the number of inhalers in use. Yes CFC's in quantity has been proven to be detrimental. However, the trivial amounts that result from asthma inhalers are inconsequential.

People without asthma don't understand what it's like to be suffocating to death in a sea of oxygen. They can't fathom that instincts take over and we'd kill someone on reflex if that were the only way to get air.

The sulfur-propelled Albuterol inhalers that I've used were not as effective as the traditional inhalers I've used. I'll get the CFC ones from Mexico if I have to/can. I need my air more than we need the ozone.

People without asthma don't understand what it's like to be suffocating to death in a sea of oxygen. They can't fathom that instincts take over and we'd kill someone on reflex if that were the only way to get air.

The sulfur-propelled Albuterol inhalers that I've used were not as effective as the traditional inhalers I've used. I'll get the CFC ones from Mexico if I have to/can. I need my air more than we need the ozone.

While I understand your concern (best friend for >20 yrs of a severe asthmatic), are you equally sure that you understand what's being proposed? From what I read, the new propellant will be hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA), not sulfur (http://snipurl.com/dvp4). Transitions in other countries have been overwhelmingly successful.

I would vehemently oppose any legislation that puts the common good ahead of your very survival. I'm just not sure this one rises to that level.

Best of health to you . . . in all seriousness.

Sure, all that's true, but let's skip to the bottom line: it really is a conspiracy to get BF's own Doctor Morbius ;)LOLWW! (Laughing Out Loud While Wheezing) :D

People without asthma don't understand what it's like to be suffocating to death in a sea of oxygen. They can't fathom that instincts take over and we'd kill someone on reflex if that were the only way to get air.

The sulfur-propelled Albuterol inhalers that I've used were not as effective as the traditional inhalers I've used. I'll get the CFC ones from Mexico if I have to/can. I need my air more than we need the ozone.I just think it's rediculous because of the inconsequential amounts of CFC's produced from inhalers. It is akin to targeting little old ladies for gang ralated violence. They aren't any more responsible for gang activity than asthmatic's inhalers are for the holes in the ozone layer. They are blowing the entire thing way out of proportion and make it sound as though each inhaler puts forth the amount of pollution as Mount Vesuvius. The tail is wagging the dog on this piece of legislation.

I just think it's rediculous because of the inconsequential amounts of CFC's produced from inhalers. It is akin to targeting little old ladies for gang ralated violence. They aren't any more responsible for gang activity than asthmatic's inhalers are for the holes in the ozone layer. They are blowing the entire thing way out of proportion and make it sound as though each inhaler puts forth the amount of pollution as Mount Vesuvius. The tail is wagging the dog on this piece of legislation.


All well and good . . . until you've had the $hit kicked out of you by a pack of little old ladies ;)

Come on. I can take this thing further OT than either of you. Come on, come on :D

All well and good . . . until you've had the $hit kicked out of you by a pack of little old ladies ;)

Come on. I can take this thing further OT than either of you. Come on, come on :DOh please, the original poster left town weeks ago.

Rotfl!

All well and good . . . until you've had the $hit kicked out of you by a pack of little old ladies ;)

Wasn't there a Monty Python's Flying Circus skit that depicted that?



Come on. I can take this thing further OT than either of you. Come on, come on :D

I've left you an opening. Run with Monty Python! :D

Heard it from an OSHA agent.

Who gets their funding from where?????

Full service gas stations were not outlawed. They died an economic death.

Benzene exposure is a hazard. It still had nothing to do with going to self service.

Wasn't there a Monty Python's Flying Circus skit that depicted that?

Reading it now. Feel free to join in....

http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/grannies.htm

Does anyone use the word "inflammable" anymore?

Well, he didn't get me into using gas. I just cannot see myself using that stuff for cleaning my bike. I really do think it's something that can do more damage long term than simple biodegradeable soap.

Koffee