I didn't read this yet, but am posting it here .
https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/2012/08/14/how_to_make_penetrating_oil .html
test
Herb
Thanks for the article - very interesting. I did enjoy it.
That said, its regrettable that the included tables made it impossible to compare the acetone/atf mixture with the acetone/vegetable oil mixture.
Maybe I missed something.
Better yet, stay with half ATF but mix it with half MEK and half acetone.
I use it in clear glass or plastic squirt cans so you will notice that the stuff separates when not in use.
When you see that as you grab for it it will remind you to shake it before using.
MEK is bad stuff. Isn't it?
I seem to recall it is absorbed in the skin.
Someone once asked which ATF should we use on our Model Ts.
My guess is that since we are working on Fords it should be Mercon V
I'd like to have some more details around the test like what the set up looked like and how long did they give the penetrants to work.
here is the safety data on MEK ( methyl Ethyl Ketone )
Not as bad as one might imagine..
4. Health Information
MEK has been studied extensively and is generally recognized to have low acute and chronic toxicity if ingested and/or breathed. High concentrations (above 200 ppm) of MEK in the air can cause eye and lung irritation in humans. High vapor concentrations may cause drowsiness and dizziness and may cause central nervous system depression. MEK is not regarded as a carcinogen, a mutagenic chemical or a concern for chronic reproductive or neurotoxicity effects. MEK may increase the neurotoxicity of compounds such as n-hexane and methyl n-butyl ketone.
MEK is naturally present at measurable levels in a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and dairy products. MEK has been rated as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. MEK also has been approved by the FDA as a direct food additive for use as a flavoring agent. MEK has also been recognized by the World Health Organization as a food additive/flavoring agent that poses "no safety concern" because it is endogenous in humans as a component of fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism.
An extensive study was conducted on "reasonably anticipated children’s exposures to MEK" from commonly found items such as the solvent in wood stain and varnish, spray paint, hobby use adhesive and hobby use model paint. Though most products that have been identified as containing MEK are not intended for use by children, exposure typically would occur, if at all, through the child’s presence in the room where the product is used. The conclusion of the report was that reasonably anticipated children’s exposures to MEK from intended uses of consumer products containing MEK, and from other expected sources, are unlikely to pose significant health risks.
MEK in the Human Body
MEK is naturally present in humans as a result of its presence in various foods. MEK can also be absorbed into the body via skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. The bulk of MEK taken into the body enters the general metabolism and is eliminated as simple compounds such as carbon dioxide and water within 24 hours.
5. Additional Hazard Information
If accidentally swallowed, small amounts of liquid may be aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or from vomiting, this may cause severe lung inflammation and lung edema (an accumulation of fluid in the lungs). This is a medical emergency which must be immediately and properly treated.
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulated Uses
Appropriate manufacturing and distribution practices are employed to ensure the quality of MEK offered for use in either direct or indirect additives to food according to applications and restrictions of the U.S. FDA.
7. Environmental Information
MEK is present in the environment from natural sources such as European firs, junipers, cedars, cypress trees and ferns. MEK is not expected to present a threat to the environment because of its low toxicity, high volatility and complete solubility in water. MEK is rapidly degraded in water, soil, and air. The intent, however, is to minimize any exposure to the environment from manufacturing and use activities.
8. Exposure Potential
Based on the uses for MEK, the public could be exposed through:
• Workplace exposure – This refers to potential exposure to MEK in a manufacturing facility or through evaporation in various industrial applications. Generally, exposure to MEK of personnel in manufacturing facilities is relatively low because the process, storage and handling operations are enclosed. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 200 parts per million (ppm) per an 8-hour work day.
• Consumer use of products containing MEK – This category of exposure is highly variable depending on the products used and the conditions under which they are used. Exposure of the majority of consumers to commercial MEK sources is likely to be infrequent and of short duration. Exposure could occur through the use of MEK in adhesives or in lacquers and paints. The best way to prevent exposure to vapors is to work in well-ventilated areas.
• Environmental releases – Chemical manufacturers are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner everywhere we do business. Our efforts are guided by in-depth scientific understanding of the environmental impact of our operations, as well as by the social and economic needs of the communities in which we operate. Industrial spills or releases are rare; however a spill may pose a significant flammability issue. Our operational improvement targets and plans are based on driving incidents with real environmental impact to zero and delivering superior environmental performance.
9. Manufacture of Product
• Capacity – In 2005, publicly available sources reported global production for MEK reached 1,141 thousand metric tons (2.5 billion pounds). Global demand for MEK was 1,100 thousand metric tons (2.4 billion pounds).
• Process – Publicly available sources report more than 85% of the U.S. MEK is produced from sec-butanol. The alcohol is obtained in a two-step process starting from butenes. Although MEK is not a hazardous air pollutant, it is a volatile organic compound (VOC), considerable measures are taken to prevent its release to the atmosphere. Processes and equipment for manufacture, transfer and storage are continuous and enclosed.
 
10. Risk Management
When using MEK or products which contain MEK, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Always use appropriate chemical resistant gloves to protect your hands and skin and always wear eye protection such as chemical goggles. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where MEK is handled, processed, or stored. Wash hands and skin following contact. If MEK gets into your eyes, rinse eyes thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with tap water and seek medical attention.
 
11. Regulatory Information
Regulations may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use and/or disposal of MEK. These regulations may vary by city, state, country or geographic region. Additional helpful information may be found by consulting the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet.
12. Conclusion Statement
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a widely used industrial solvent and chemical intermediate.
• MEK is low in toxicity. It is naturally present in the environment and is found in some dairy products (yogurt and cheese), fruits and vegetables.
• MEK does not cause adverse health or environmental effects at levels typically found in the workplace or environment.
• MEK is highly flammable with a high vapor pressure; use only with good ventilation; avoid all ignition sources.
Here is the data on Acetone.
dkt.net.au/msdsfiles/acetone.pdf
highlite then right click on this link, open with your designated search engine... Bing, etc..
I suppose Mercon would be OK for loosening rusted nuts and bolts on newer Fords, but on older Fords, Type F would be better.
I've been told by "old time mechanics" that good old fashioned iodine like mom used to put on our cuts will do the trick.
I'm particularly fond of a 1/2 and 1/2 mix of "your favorite penetrating oil" and brake fluid.
I have never seen anything that penetrates stubborn joints like brake fluid.
Light penetrating oils soon evaporate but brake fluid does not.
Mixing the two provides the best of both.
Will brake fluid help you to break the joint or will it help you to break the bolt?
Has anyone tryed Tarn-X ?
has sulfuric acid in it.
There used to be a "break it loose" or something like that from K-w that was good. In a gold squirt can. I had several cans years ago but used it all.