is it ok to clean RAVEs with a brass wire wheel

[bigJake]

I see posts where people say they clean their raves with a wire wheel (presumably brass). A little research says that pure aluminum is softer than brass, but some aluminum alloys are harder than brass. Anybody happen to check on the composition of the raves? I'd really like to turn what has typically been a 30 minute manual cleaning into a 5 minute task but don't want to be wearing down my raves in the process. TIA.

 

[sc_shark]

you probably can but id be worried about taking material off myself.

i would/have gotten oven rack cleaners sprayed the rave valves down in a bag... let them soak for half a day or so than take a old yellow/green sponge and wipe the valves off.. if you have any tarnish or build up still use the green side of the sponge as its a bit more abrasive.

i have also herd that after cleaning people have sprayed pam cooking spray on their rave valves as it is a non stick spray and it helps with keeping build up off along with lubricating them.. it can also take some decent high heat... ( i have never tried this personally but have herd of it from a few locals)

if your looking for a quicker way... get some carb/break cleaner in a can(2-3 cans worth) get a big zip lock bag put the valves in spray the parts in the bag let it soak for a few minutes... spray the green/yellow sponge and get the elbow grease going...

 

[bigJake]

yea i use the carb cleaner, that gets rid of the oily sludge buildup ok but my experience is that it really takes some type of brush to break thru the crusted carbon buildup. I've been using a small handheld brass brush, but like you say it still takes lots of elbow grease. maybe I'll give the oven cleaner a try. I've seen people say to use a small piece of copper as a scraper but I never got around to finding a piece.

 

[sc_shark]

one option for a scraper would be wood... and your best bet would be to use a wooden paint stirrer. cut it in half or use a 1/4 peice so its got some back bone. i would soak the end of it in a cleaner tho so its a little softer

 

[bigJake]

yea, i've tried wood too. maybe the problem is I never had the patience to let them soak in the cleaner first before trying to clean them.

 

[96GSXX]

I used carb cleaner and 150 grit sand paper ( through the thick stuff ) and 400 to make sure everything is off.

 

[oldbugger]

Brake cleaner, old toothbrush, plastic scraper (old ice scraper or cut pieces of lexan sharpen on belt sander) takes longer to get them out and apart than to clean them! Make sure to have guillotine out by itself so you aren't soaking bellows and orings with brake cleaner.

 

[470]

I've used easy off oven cleaner on rave valves for years on my sleds.

 

[bigJake]

I've used easy off oven cleaner on rave valves for years on my sleds.

does that desolve the hardened stuff or does it still require scraping? how long do you let them soak?

 

[470]

Just follow the instructions on the can. If they are real bad it may take a few applications. Lack of maintenance and poor quality oil will leave large deposit.

 

[bigJake]

thanks, I'll give that a try. got to be better than that hours worth of elbow grease I've been using.