Saw cleaner

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.

duramaxman05

Minister of Fire
Aug 17, 2014
739
Perryville, Mo
I just aquired a new to me saw. Jonsered 625. Same as a husqvarna 61. I stripped it down and did some minor porting and cleaned up the cylinder. What does everyone use to degrease these things? It has crud built up from the 80's. I blew off what I could and did some scraping but would like to give it a good bath before putting back together.
 
I like Diesel. Cleans off most any problem.
Do you use diesel and brush or soak it in diesel? I haven't split the crankcase so I dont want to submerge it.
 
There are some choices of less toxic methods. Alcohol should be every bit as effective as diesel, but it will just evaporate rather than contaminate anything if you spill it. I would maybe use a spray bottle and a stiff nylon brush.
 
  • Like
Reactions: duramaxman05
Do you use diesel and brush or soak it in diesel? I haven't split the crankcase so I dont want to submerge it.

Diesel isn't like gasoline (that's for the "less toxic" guys), it won't eat your face off. And unlike Alcohol it won't catch fire. It does make a great degreaser though.

9 times out of 10 I use a stiff nylon brush and an oil change pan. Pour the diesel in about 1" deep, and get to scrubbing. It eats the yuck off easy without scrubbing in most cases. You can then spray carb cleaner on it or towel it off (depending on what it is, again) and it'll be slick as new.
 
Last edited:
Diesel isn't like gasoline (that's for the "less toxic" guys), it won't eat your face off. It does make a great degreaser though.

9 times out of 10 I use a stiff nylon brush and an oil change pan. Pour the diesel in about 1" deep, and get to scrubbing. It eats the yuck off easy without scrubbing in most cases. You can then spray carb cleaner on it or towel it off (depending on what it is, again) and it'll be slick as new.
Thanks. I will have to get me an open drain pan and brush. This will be the 3rd saw I am totally redoing. People keep asking me to do them and I say, no. Yeah give it to me. Lol.
 
There are some choices of less toxic methods. Alcohol should be every bit as effective as diesel, but it will just evaporate rather than contaminate anything if you spill it. I would maybe use a spray bottle and a stiff nylon brush.
I tried soaking in purple power full strength and diluted and also put it in my ultrasonic cleaner. It did ok I guess. I was hoping it would do better
 
You and me both brother ;lol
I got more engine projects than I got kids, and I got a lot of kids.
I usually have a aggravated wife because I usually have a lot of side work to do. I would like to take my son out to the shop but he is only 2.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GadDummit
I use old diesel in my parts washer.
Real dirty saws get pressure washed in the summer,but just the parts washer in the winter.
Apparently if you have it tore down boiling the cylinder in a pot with a dishwasher pod or two will almost bring them back to new condition.
Dishwashers have been mentioned as well,the wife packed her stuff up and left 21 glorious months ago so i don't have a dishwasher anymore.:cool:
And i haven't tried the appliance,even by my self i don't want greasy saw parts in with my dishes.
 
I used an open drain pan and poured some diesel in it. I used a parts cleaner brush to do the scrubbing. That worked great. Then I sprayed off with brake clean. It turned out pretty good. No I just have to finish it.