C.L.R. cleaner

[leadphinger]

C.alcium
L.ime
R.ust

Originally used this stuff to clean out the water passages in my block and coolant lines, however this stuff is the best darn stubborn bolt remover I have ever tried.

I used it to free up the bolts on my exhaust manifold and turbo, (which were rusted solid) came apart without any fuss. Imagine my suprise when I was able to spin the nuts off of the turbo studs!

[Ken Potter]

I've wondered about using that stuff to clean off rusty areas under the hood. Have you tried it on any pulleys, brackets, or other steel items with surface rust?

[leadphinger]

Only the cast iron pieces as it recommends against using it on "any aluminum or finished surfaces."

I don't think it would hurt, but I wouldn't try it on anything you are afraid to sand down and repaint.

[Eyelawdoc]

I believe that CLR uses phosphoric acid as a major constituent. That is the same chemical used as the active ingredient in commercial rust removers such as Naval Jelly and 3M Metal Prep.

I will have to try CLR next time I need to loosen some rusty parts! It is less expensive that the rust removers mentioned above.

And yes it will mar the finish on polished and anodized alunimum. So will Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid.

You can even remove rust with Coke but it gets things all sticky!

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Get the MSDS!

The Material Safety Data Sheet will tell you the ingredients. All product sellers are required to provide an MSDS upon request.