Best way to clean a tranny...

[Gvr41415]

So I got my transmission out and I its dirty as hell so im looking for the best way to clean it up, I know i wont be able to get it clean as a parts washer, but I would like to take off what I can. right know im thinking throw the axles back in soak it with some degreaser and hit it with a steam pressure washer. only thing is I really don't want water getting in there so im not %100 about it. Has anyone ever pressure washed a tranny and been able to throw it back in no problem? or is there a better preferred way of cleaning the case without disassembly?

 

[pot]

My preferred method uses the following:

1.) Purple Power (Autozone)
2.) Metal Tooth brush (Harbor Freight)
3.) 3M Green Pad (Dollar General)
4.) Dremel Tool (Harbor Freight *Chicago Pneumatic)
5.) Wire Wheel (Harbor Freight *1/8th shank)
6.) Steely Wool (Harbor Freight)
7.) Water Squeeze Bottle
8.) Microfiber Towel
9.) Paint Brush *1", 2"

I've found using the above products to be the most effective short of glass beading to getting a part squeaky clean. While in no particular order, first and foremost you want to soak the transmission in a degreaser to loosen up the accumulated dirt. My product of choice is Purple Power because its cheap, readily available, and very effective. Then using either Steely Wool or a metal toothbrush begin scraping away the debris. Periodically use the water bottle to remove the degreaser and microfiber towel to soak up all the gunk. As the debris is removed, follow up with a 3M Green Pad and finish off with a Wire Wheel using a Dremel or equivalent tool.

Once your satisfied you can rattle can the case or polish it which requires a different procedure.

 

[James]

I'm not sure why would be here asking how to wash a tranny but I guess we are a big family and can help with anything.

Put her (him? It?) in the shower. Warm water. Lather with soap, rinse, repeat and seen necessary.

 

[89Mirageman]

Plug the diff holes with old inner axle cups or rags, load it down with purple power and pressure wash the crap out of it. You might have to repeat this a few times to get it perfect. I've done this on at least 10 transmissions over the years with zero issues.

after a coat of fresh paint:

 

[prove_it]

If your getting a tranny, he/she should already be clean..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Had to say it. Purple power and simple green have always worked well for me.

 

[mitsuturbo]

Simple green works well for cleaning just about anything car related. Then again, so does lacquer thinner, but that tends to cause problems with rubber objects, such as seals. I generally use a little of both, depending on the part being cleaned. If it's painted or has any rubber on it, i use simple green. If it's bare metal/aluminum and i want it damn clean... lacquer thinner.

 

[donniekak]

Take it apart, and do it the right way.

 

[89Mirageman]

^Pull a transmission apart just to clean it?

 

[prove_it]

Yea, that's a little far for a cleaning.

 

[Gvr41415]

Quoting 89Mirageman:
^Pull a transmission apart just to clean it?


The trans isn't broke, im rebuilding the engine so I thought I might have a clean trans to go with it for a clean look.

 

[Gvr41415]

that looks so clean, Im gonna try to get mine looking like this. did you remove the shifter arm ect. or just tape it all up?

 

[Gvr41415]

Quoting James:

Put her (him? It?) in the shower.

^^ love this part /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rofl.gif

 

[Gvr41415]

Quoting Pot:
My preferred method uses the following:

1.) Purple Power (Autozone)
2.) Metal Tooth brush (Harbor Freight)
3.) 3M Green Pad (Dollar General)
4.) Dremel Tool (Harbor Freight *Chicago Pneumatic)
5.) Wire Wheel (Harbor Freight *1/8th shank)
6.) Steely Wool (Harbor Freight)
7.) Water Squeeze Bottle
8.) Microfiber Towel
9.) Paint Brush *1", 2"

I've found using the above products to be the most effective short of glass beading to getting a part squeaky clean. While in no particular order, first and foremost you want to soak the transmission in a degreaser to loosen up the accumulated dirt. My product of choice is Purple Power because its cheap, readily available, and very effective. Then using either Steely Wool or a metal toothbrush begin scraping away the debris. Periodically use the water bottle to remove the degreaser and microfiber towel to soak up all the gunk. As the debris is removed, follow up with a 3M Green Pad and finish off with a Wire Wheel using a Dremel or equivalent tool.

Once your satisfied you can rattle can the case or polish it which requires a different procedure.



Thanks for the info ill definitely be using the purple power and a wire brush.

 

[pot]

Make sure you contact Chris 89Mirageman -The way I do it is too time consuming. It sounds like his way gets things done ricky tick.

 

[89Mirageman]

I just masked off the trans and hit the arms with some semi-gloss black. I will say if you use the pressure washer method wear some old clothes and prepare to get a little dirty. Pick a nice warm day if possible. On some of the stubborn and really dirty ones I did use a SOS pad to loosen up the grime and then hit it again with the pressure washer.