LCGB Forums

I am rebuilding a series 3 175. The case was opened for some time and there is some light surface rust on the gears. I have all the guts out. What type of cleaner can I soak the parts in to remove the rust? Also what do you guys recommend to blast the case with to make it look new. I am replacing all bearings.
Thanks for your help
Eyeguy

If you want it to look like new it should be vapour blasted.

Rusty gears are not good as they are surface hardened. If the rust is on load bearing surfaces like the teeth or a bearing surface, then they should be replaced or rehardened.

Or
If it's only light rust rub it off with some wire wool and oil but look for any deep pitting, lots of places offering vapor blasting or the like but it's my understanding they want the casing clean to start off with, seems to be an odd one to me. Again paraffin or Gunk and a bit of elbow grease worked on mine. A green pan scrub and wet and dry on some deep scratches. All depends what you are looking for

Monty's right; it depends what you want. For 'as new' look, it needs to be vapour blasted. Also, they do expect you to have taken the thick crud off before you give them the casings or it contaminates their media thereby costing them more to blast your casings. If you just want nice and clean some oil and a bit of scotchbrite does the trick.

Also, I probably overstated the case regarding rusty gears. It does depend how widespread the rust is and how deep it goes through the surface. I'm a bit of a fanny though!!

Thanks for the replies. Yea the gears are very light rust. Just on the surface. Most can be wiped away with a cloth.
I did find a guy to clean the case. Not sure what method he uses but I have seen the work. So off to him for that.

Thanks
Eyeguy