Windshield Washer Reservoir

[nbenning]

Hello!

Any suggestions on what to use to clean years of paint over spray on my windshield washer reservoir without damaging the plastic?

Thanks!

Nick

[siteunseen]

I'd start with a razor scraper and dry sanding with a 220 grit sanding sponge.  Then clean it all up with mineral spirits and the sanding sponge.  That's how I got it off fan blades.  3M makes a safe stripper I've seen at Lowe's, never used it though.  Good luck.

[David F]

Soda blasting?

[zKars]

Paint remover to remove paint. Even DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing.   

Abrasives will scratch plastics. I remember some thread here about treating/bleaching the yellowing. Don't remember what was used, mostly that it was a bit of a process.... 

Edited October 6, 2017 by zKars

[motorman7]

1 hour ago, zKars said:

 Even DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing.   

That is an absolutely hilarious comment!    Never heard brake fluid described in quite that fashion.  Makes my want to go home and slather up my hands with it right now.

[Zed Head]

Test a small area with MEK or acetone.  If it's a lacquer it might come right off.  I think the tank is made of nylon (polyamide) which should be okay as long as you don't soak it in solvent.

Found a nice reference chart, if you don't have either of those.  Nylon 6 and 6/6 are similar.

http://www.plasticsintl.com/plastics_chemical_resistence_chart.html

[esmit208]

Elbow grease and a Chore Girl!

[nbenning]

Hey Folks!

Thanks for the various suggestions (and comic relief as well) I decided to do try the "Chore Girl" suggestion, though now my attention is to research that soda blasting method for other parts of the vehicle ... A small amount of scratching of the plastic was observed, but overall I'm pleased with the results.  Equipped her with a new wiper motor and getting ready to install her tomorrow!

Cheers!

[Captain Obvious]

On ‎10‎/‎6‎/‎2017 at 10:55 AM, zKars said:

DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing.

You're soaking in it.

[dmorales-bello]

Nice job. Now spread some hair bleach paste all over it, wrap it in Saran wrap and set it out in the sun for a day or two and it'll be nice and white.

Edited October 11, 2017 by dmorales-bello

[nbenning]

Sun Bleached reservoir?  Hmm ... may have to try ... Thanks for the tip!

Edited October 9, 2017 by nbenning
typo

[dmorales-bello]

This is not the exact application but it covers the basic steps for bleaching plastic. You might find it helpful.