Oil on winch clutch plate

[micky boy]

Hi, I am working with an Igland 5002 double drum three point linkage winch. Recently had a seal blow and oil got on the clutch plate. The plate is double sided.
What is the best way to get the oil off ?
Can it be cleaned and very lightly ground with an abrasive wheel or is that pointless ?
Many thanks

[wiam]

You might try brake clean and a wire brush.

Will

[JimBuis]

I would try an aerosol electronic parts cleaner.  That stuff eats EVERYTHING petroleum based like nothing.  I evaporates very quickly leaving no residue behind except, in this case, the oil.  I doubt that any brushing or other abrasive would be necessary.  When using the stuff, make sure you aren't smoking as the stuff is more flammable/explosive than anything else I know of.

IMHO,
Jim

[scsmith42]

MEK works well (Methyl Ethyl Ketone); the local aircraft repair shop used to use it to clean everything.  Spray carb cleaner, spray electrical contact cleaner, or spray brake cleaner are also good choices as recommended by others.  Of the three, spray brake cleaner is tested not to hurt the abrasive materials on the plates, so that would be my first choice.

[Reddog]

brake clean will work the best.

[sawguy21]

MEK is no longer legal to use here. That stuff cleans really well but is nasty to work with. Brake cleaner is not petroleum based so would be a good choice.

[Nova]

Further to MEK.  Don't get it in your eyes.  I worked with a guy who did and he had to have a corneal transplant because the MEK burned his cornea and blinded him.  He's very lucky that he can see again.

Nova

[micky boy]

Thanks, most of you say brake cleaner so I'll go with that.   That MEK sounds a bit too much of a health hazard.