Removing exhast discoloration

[sportingrifle]

Hi guys and girls....

Does anyone have a product or technique that removes the gray/brown discoloration behind the exhaust on the wing and fuselage?

Thanks Sportingrifle

[Colonel Sanders]

In my experience, the longer it's been there, the harder it is to get off.

First de-grease the area with mineral spirits.

Then a quick squirt of soap to get it clean.

Now go at it with pre-wax cleaner, multiple applications. Scratch remover is worth a shot, too - it's a very fine rubbing compound that won't leave scratches.

Have patience. It didn't go on in 5 min and it's not going to come off in 5 min either.

MEK will take it off, but will likely strip the paint off, too!!

[sportingrifle]

Colonel...

Thanks, I was using Spray 9 and it worked well but like MEK, was tough on the paint. I'll try your idea. Now i need an airport kid that wants a ride!

Cheers sportingrifle

[Brice]

First off, what kind of exhaust is it? Piston or Turbine?

Around the shop we have stuff called Precision Clean and Aerowash, that works really well on both. For the harder caked on turbine exhaust stains, a little acetone on a rag or a white scotch-brite pad seems to work well.

[cgzro]

If you really want to do it right I suggest you contact the detailer at Vintage Wings. She is responsible for all our aircraft and knows 'exactly' what product and technique works in which spot. Just phone VWOC and ask for her email, or give them yours. I'm sure she'll be happy to bend your ear on exactly how to do it for show quality results. Of course if you don't care that much about show quality AND the paint underneath is an epoxy 2 part thing then nothing beats M.E.K but thats heavy duty stuff.

[Dash-Ate]

Prop wash. Ask someone for some.

[CpnCrunch]

I find that mineral spirits also strips the paint off. Best solution I've found is to just regularly wash the area with soap and water. You'll never get all the crap off, but as long as you wash it regularly it will never get too bad!

[Old Dog Flying]

I use "Simple Green". Spray it on, wipe it off, then rinse with a spray of water. And wioe it off again. It works very well and quickly even on old stains..ask me how I know..my aching back.

[CpnCrunch]

I use "Simple Green". Spray it on, wipe it off, then rinse with a spray of water. And wioe it off again. It works very well and quickly even on old stains..ask me how I know..my aching back.

I assume you mean this:

http://www.simplegreen.com/products_extreme_motor.php

"Originally developed for the aircraft industry and geared toward safely cleaning high end aircraft exterior and engine surfaces, this product is an ideal choice for all of your motorsports cleaning and degreasing needs."

Thanks for the tip!

[Tiger Moth]

3M makes a product I have used, it's called Perfect It rubbing compound #06085, its available at napa and acklands, although it may be special order. It is a rubbing compound designed to take fine scratches out of paint, it worked really well on exhaust stains. It really brightened up the paint as well, on a plane that had probably 30 year old paint. I have tried it with a power buffer and by hand, it works best by hand I found, but for larger areas I used the power buffer, just buff it on until it kind of powdered and dried up, then wiped it with a clean towel.

Here is a link I found to the stuff:

http://3mcollision.com/products/buffing ... pound.html

If you put a good coat of wax on after you use this rubbing compound you will find the stains take much longer to reappear too

[Colonel Sanders]

rubbing compound

That's what I use too, but I don't have the balls to use
a power buffer - to easy to overheat and burn and leave
marks.

Best to do it by hand - rubbing compound, then the
best wax you can find to help take it off next time.

[pilotdreams]

Paint it black

[Hvd2Pilot]

WD40

[flingwinger]

WD40

Agreed. Works the best, try it!

[black hole]

OK Boys and Girls:
Just tried this today!
The black soot on the sides and wings of a DHC-3T--Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

BH

[TeePeeCreeper]

OK Boys and Girls:
Just tried this today!
The black soot on the sides and wings of a DHC-3T--Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

BH

Be careful with that stuff. It's an abrasive pad.

[Colonel Sanders]

Note to anyone working on bare aluminum - please
don't grind through the cladding. Really.