crc cleaner

I'm using this stuff right now for cleaning track, but only when it's powered off.  I picked it based on a number of threads on polar and non-polar solvents, chart included, it comes in pretty high on the "good" side.

I used to use Isopropyl alcohol, I want to see if this stuff does a better job.  I spray it on a rag and then wipe the track with it.

It is very flammable, at least according to the label.  I'm thinking in the future for track that I can't reach I can use my track cleaning car and my battery powered Camelback locomotive, no track voltage should mean no sparks to light this stuff up, news at 11:00PM.

Anyone know what the difference between the blue can and red can is?

I know according to the polar attributes from the chart above that neither of those are as desirable as the CRC Contact Cleaner & Protectant that comes in the green can, at least for track cleaning.

I have had great success with this.

NON- FLAMMABLE!

@barrister.2u posted:

Given the above comments, is there any safe place to use it? Why is it sold at all?

Mark

Even on the can, it says to use in a well-vented area, That it is flammable.

I use it to clean E-Units outside. It does a good job when used properly.

Well, I guess they shouldn't sell rubbing alcohol either then as it is flammable. There are lots of items sold that are flammable, but you need to use them with care and common sense.

@Captain John posted:

I have had great success with this.

NON- FLAMMABLE!

I use that for cleaning all the grease out of motors and power trucks, but I don't think I'd use it for track.  Looking at the SDS for this stuff, it's pretty nasty, it's 80-100% tetrachloroethylene.  Check the SDS for that chemical and I'm not sure I want it in regular use around my layout.

I’m aware of that John. It is being used taking safe procedures.

When using anything flammable around on trains Common Sense should just Prevail. It's kind of funny 50 or 60 years ago the owner's manual of your new car told you how to adjust the valves today it tells you not to drink the battery fluid.

"Because it does an excellent job of cleaning electrical contact surfaces, especially in tight places"

Yes.  Great for that as is Deoxit D5.   For track though why would you need such powerful agents?

It seems the biggest electrical problem is where track sections JOIN.

Thank goodness I'm only running "toy trains" on my layout.

I'd hate to have to use / smell these heavy duty industrial cleaners.

Brakleen?? We had a mechanic get carried away with that stuff and everyone in the shop started coughing and had to walk outside.

I'm OK with my lousy 91% isopropyl. The track can only get as clean as its gonna get.

No cleaner is going to stop the electrolysis which is the main reason for dirty track anyway.

What track cleaning fluid can you use in a track cleaning car that won't catch fire ?  My insurance company will be real happy if i burn my train building down.

"Brakleen?? We had a mechanic get carried away with that stuff and everyone in the shop started coughing and had to walk outside."

Yes.  Brakleen, Gumout Carburetor Cleaner, Throttle Body Cleaner.  Bad to breathe.  Really bad.  Ask me how I know. 

Not to mention the ORIGINAL Goo Gone

John

@Craftech posted:

"Brakleen?? We had a mechanic get carried away with that stuff and everyone in the shop started coughing and had to walk outside."

Yes.  Brakleen, Gumout Carburetor Cleaner, Throttle Body Cleaner.  Bad to breathe.  Really bad.  Ask me how I know.

John

What...... no love for Hogwash?

@RickO posted:

What...... no love for Hogwash?

No only alcohol............................... (91% isopropyl)

@RickO posted:

I'm OK with my lousy 91% isopropyl. The track can only get as clean as its gonna get.

No cleaner is going to stop the electrolysis which is the main reason for dirty track anyway.

Actually, it's been pretty well demonstrated that the characteristics of Isopropyl Alcohol are low on the list for keeping track clean for any extended period of time.  Obviously, you don't have to believe this, and I used Isopropyl Alcohol for years until I saw the light.   Consider picking one of the non-polar cleaners for longer intervals between track cleaning.

I don't recommend gasoline, that would be somewhat dangerous.

Kerosene?  Interesting.  I can deal with the smell of that strange as it may sound.

@Craftech posted:

Kerosene?  Interesting.  I can deal with the smell of that strange as it may sound.

Really? I use to deliver that fuel oil and Gasoline and can honestly say that the smell sticks with you. But then again I could give Jimmy Durante a run for the money on nose size. Sometimes I dream of renting mine out for a ski jump.

What about denatured alcohol? I don't see that on the list.

@John H posted:

What about denatured alcohol? I don't see that on the list.

I was wondering about that myself as MTH recommends it for cleaning track and wheels.

Denatured alcohol does not bother traction tires.

@John H posted:

What about denatured alcohol? I don't see that on the list.

Ethanol (denatured alcohol) has a dielectric constant of 24, higher than Isopropyl Alcohol.  In the great list of recommended track cleaners, it's not recommended.

Denatured alcohol is NOT a non-polar solvent or: Marc learns more chemistry