[Trumpetman]

So let's hear your methods for cleaning gunked up canister mufflers. I believe that I am losing power on vertical up lines and I think that after four years and many flights that the canisters on my DA200 are getting pretty plugged up.

[-Rick-]

Hopefully Bill T. chimes in, he has a good method.

[stegl]

Might try contacting an engine rebuilding shop as they have soaking cleaner that dissolves carbon and gunk like you wouldn't believe. I used to use it on VW air-cooled heads ....put them in the night before and the next day , washed them off with hot water and as good as new. Don't remember the trade name as that was many years ago.

[Trumpetman]

Originally Posted by stegl

Might try contacting an engine rebuilding shop as they have soaking cleaner that dissolves carbon and gunk like you wouldn't believe. I used to use it on VW air-cooled heads ....put them in the night before and the next day , washed them off with hot water and as good as new. Don't remember the trade name as that was many years ago.

I wonder if a 5 gallon pail of parts cleaner solvent from an Auto Parts supplier might work?

[stegl]

I guess the other question are these mufflers, metal or aluminum ? If steel then Eazy Off oven cleaner will work with a soak but not on aluminum.
Try checking your larger automotive supply store they may be able to suggest something. Just thinking , that with all the hype with health and the environment it may be difficult to get the good stuff.
The other thing that may be more accessible, is try Acetone . Plug one end and fill the muffler up to the top and let sit for a day or so and see what happens. An ultrasonic cleaner machine works well but then you have to find someone that has one large enough. to hold the muffler immersed in the machine.

The other thing is use Google and put the question in and you have pages and pages of ideas...."let your fingers do the walking".

[williame3590]

Xylene works great.

Bill

[Frank Klenk]

Gordon:
I wrote an article on this, was in MAC magazine. Last year I think.
I use Carburetor and Metal parts Cleaner from Kleen Flo, http://www.kleenflo.com/products/651-652-653.html
It can be used at room temperature. Plug the holes and pour it in. Move the cans around a bit every few hours. After 12 hours I pour the contents out through a cloth to filter the chunks and to reuse. Rinse the cans with hot water and blow dry. You will have to repeat this. I weigh the cans first and compare to new and after each cleaning. This stuff STINKS!!! An outside job with all the proper PPE.

[Trumpetman]

Thanks Frank! Can I get this stuff at Canadian tire or is a specialty type of shop?

[Frank Klenk]

Originally Posted by Trumpetman

Thanks Frank! Can I get this stuff at Canadian tire or is a specialty type of shop?

Gordon, I bought mine from the local automotive parts supply store, a specialty store, I bought a 4 liter can. Don't throw it out just filter and reuse.

[Frank Klenk]

I bet you will be smiling after the first flight Fly hard this weekend!