This bit of info was passed on by Dual Sport Alchemy’s favorite back yard engineer, Frank Morton. Apparently it’s been around for a few years but it’s new to me and confirms my long time suspicion that WD-40 works best as a cleaner. So for everyone with a DIY mentality who prefers to turn their own wrenches, here’s some great test results for Penetrating Oil.
Penetrating Oil -Test Results
For All of you Mechanic’s and Self doer’s out there. Penetrating Oil – interesting, this was in one of the Military Vehicle Club newsletters:
Here is an interesting article submitted by Bob Muller for our members consideration
Penetrating Oils-
Recently “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and
bolts that they ‘scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by soaking in salt water, they then
tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts. They treated the nuts with a variety
of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them.
This is what they came up with:
Nothing: 516 lbs
WD-40: 238 lbs;
PB Blaster: 214 lbs;
Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs,
Kano Kroil: 106 lbs
(ATF)/Acetone mix (50/50): 50 lbs.
This last “shop brew” of 50% automatic transmission fluid and 50% acetone appears to beat
out the commercially prepared products costing far more.
I bought my DRZ recently from a guy that cleaned the whole bike w/ wd40 expect the brakes, chain and tires. Says it not only cleans well but make the dirt and grime really easy:)
I’m a true believer in the exceptional cleaning abilities of WD. I use it to clean several areas on my bike and frequently wipe down the header pipe with it when I know it’s going to sit for a while. Not sure I would recommend cleaning the seat with it though… it could turn into a slip-n-slide!
Yeah I didn’t mean to include the seat! Also after reading my post again i need to clarify that the dirt and grime come off the bike much easier AFTER the bike has been cleaned w/ WD.
I enjoy your humor……great site!!!
Thanks for the compliment Trevor! I’ve also heard guys claim that Shout (the laundry stain remover) works really well for cleaning a bike and creating a barrier against mud and grime, although I haven’t tried it myself. And for anyone who’s read these comments and gets the great idea to play a practical joke by putting WD40 on their friends seat – don’t do it! Armor All works much better…
That’s great info! There’s so many subjective opinions about all things motorcycle and it’s nice to see data.
I’ll be saving some of that gallon of ATF that I need to get rid of.
I use WD-40 to clean too and then follow with Simple Green if I don’t want the oil to remain.
Great site.