cymaz Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 Posted by Geoff S on 06/08/2020 21:57:26: I used to spray it on the magneto of my motorcycles when they wouldn't start after standing out in the rain. I think WD stand for Water Displacement. Geoff It does, apparently it was the 40th formula that was tried Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Crook Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 It helps remove old silicone sealant from around the bath. It works as a switch cleaner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryorbik Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Trevor, be careful not to spray it onto printed circuit boards though, as it will be absorbed by the fibres and results in internal short circuits in tghe PCB. A friend sprayed his new and very expensive Futaba transmitter board, thinking it would help protect it in inclement weather condition, but it actually destroyed his transmitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 I vaguely remember when WD 40 first came out that it as featured on the BBC "Tomorrow's World " program . They sprayed the insides of an electric drill then put it under water while running . Usual comment " don't try this at home" were used before the shot. Imagine that being shown on TV today? WD 40 has certainly stood the test of time and seems to be used as a generic name for penetrating maintenance sprays ; like Hoover is used for Vacuum cleaners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyB Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 A quick observation... This is a very mild mannered conversation compared to when WD40 is raised on a cycling (pedal, not motorcycling) forum. Some swear by it for degreasing and lubricating chains, others are convinced it will knacker your chain, remove all grease from your bearings, cause everything to immediately start creaking and is generally the devils work! Full on warfare has been known to break out on this topic... Me, I use it wherever grease is not present for localised degreasing/cleaning - chains, sprockets (off the bike), suspension bushings etc, being careful not to spray anywhere near a greased bearing or brake disc. I always use a dedicated chain lube though as WD40 isn’t a very effective lubricant (chains generally start squeezing after only 30 miles). Edited By MattyB on 07/08/2020 14:32:32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Chinnery Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 OK chaps - so instead of WD 40, what should I be using else as an effective penetrating oil, in particular when dealing with bolts ( & nuts ) seemingly fixed for eternity with 20+ year old baked caster oil? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Dyer Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Been around engines and full size aeroplanes over 50 years. In most of the world's countries. We call ( I'll spray it everywhere WD) slow setting cement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Murphy 1 Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 I have a old can of WD40 and the cap is stuck on fast. What would you suggest to aid removal ? : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 7, 2020 Author Share Posted August 7, 2020 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Posted by Gary Murphy 1 on 07/08/2020 16:44:14: I have a old can of WD40 and the cap is stuck on fast. What would you suggest to aid removal ? : ) Let the wife have a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Best penetrating liquid is /was Plus Gas . Not sure if the new stuff is as potent as the old stuff . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 +1 with ED on Plus Gas . Modern equivalent is RP - 90 from Action Can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 I've found Tri-Flow to be extremely effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 7, 2020 Author Share Posted August 7, 2020 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Crook Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Barry, point taken about being careful where it goes as it's known to attack some rubbers and plastics. My wife's car key buttons had got very intermittent, and having been told of its switch cleaning properties I thought nothing to lose. I probably got the stuff all over the little circuit board, but it fixed the problem and 2 years later it's still fixed. Just because I got away with it doesn't mean it's harmless though. It really does help removing old silicone, but obviously a thorough degrease is needed before applying fresh stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Didn't they used to call it 'Rocket WD40' back in the 60s? I vaguely remember an advert in the newspapers for WD40 and how it was used copiously on the US Atlas missile for something or the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuphedd Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Yep it was Rocket WD40 And Rolls-Royce used it to inhibit the Jet engines, new and overhauled before shipping/storage. When the engine was first installed , it was cranked over and the WD40 "washed " off, If you did not it baked onto the blades and fouled them up . I guess it was in the 70s that WD40 changed the formula , without telling RR, (why should they ??) and made it a bit more " clingy" and more water repellent , hence trying to wash it off before lighting the jets became a real pain so we turned to Ardrox . the benefit to us peasants was there were many Gallon cans of WD going begging ! and I have only just used the last bit of mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Damms Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 WD40 also cleans hammerite off brushes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Murphy 1 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Posted by Doc Marten on 07/08/2020 19:00:54: Posted by Gary Murphy 1 on 07/08/2020 16:44:14: I have a old can of WD40 and the cap is stuck on fast. What would you suggest to aid removal ? : ) 6 weeks in the gym! No,its really on there. I think its seized Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i12fly Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 I thought that WD 40 was originally developed for the UK's Blue Streak missiles. WD of course standing for 'War Department', as stamped on any old army surplus items you may have. I remember my father ordering some underpants by post in the late '60s, when they arrived they were stamped 'WD 1943'. He didn't seem very impressed but it gave us all a laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted August 8, 2020 Author Share Posted August 8, 2020 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tosh McCaber Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Posted by Doc Marten on 07/08/2020 19:00:54: Posted by Gary Murphy 1 on 07/08/2020 16:44:14: I have a old can of WD40 and the cap is stuck on fast. What would you suggest to aid removal ? : ) 6 weeks in the gym! No,its really on there. I think its seized A hard whack on a hard surface- you'll be left with the can without a lid!! But you'll be able to press the button and use the contents! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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