What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

When the manual says to clean something, typically an air filter, in a high flashpoint solvent what sort of substance are they talking about?

TIA

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Isn't flashpoint the temperature at which something (given oxygen) will ignite?

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Ok so I asked the question badly. I'm happy with what flashpoint is (had an idea and wikipedia sorted that)

What I meant to ask is what substance should be using. I'm under the impression that petrol has a low flashpoint flashpoint so what do I need? Diesel has a relatively high flashpoint, but is it ok to clean stuff like air filters in it (which is what I'm thinking of).

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Yup.

Dammit

Me, I'd use Turps or surgical spirit.
Have also used ethanhol and Isopropyl alcohol (Isopropanol) to clean things in the past or just blow the filter from the back with compressed air if it's stock, if it's oiled then you really need a solvent to shift the oil.

Let's face it though, unless you dowse it in petrol then stick it back on the bike any solvent (as long as it doesn't attack the thing you are cleaning) will be OK. Just give it a blow/let it dry off afterwards.

Ste

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Ahh, oops :D My bad :D Sorry, after writing I worried slightly that I might have got the wrong end of the stick and insulted your intelligence :( Then I put kettle on and forgot about it :)

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Carbon Tetrachloride? Trychoethylene? But easier paraffin.

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Perhaps I should also add - Where do I buy this stuff? Is there something out there under a brand name I'm likely to find?

That last sounded like stuff you'd only see if you worked as a chemist, but maybe it's sold in huge containers in Tesco for some household cleaning job?

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

I added paraffin as the preferred choice :takeabow:

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Isopropyl alcohol is typically in computer shops (even PC world should have some I'd have thought) as a computer cleaner. Turps etc. in your local Homebase I guess. Like SVSte I'd perhaps not worry quite so much about what cleaner you use on the air filter, as if you've got ignition sources in your airbox you already have enough trouble.

Had a quick google and most of the vehicle specific solvents (high flashpoint etc) seem to be heavy duty degunkers for removing years of chain lube and grit, and are likely to be OTT for an air filter.

Re: What is a High Flashpoint Solvent
 

Ahh - I've heard of that. I think that's what's recommended to clean the chain with. I think I might understand why now - cos it's a high flash point solvent! (Also apparently it doesn't attack the rubber O-rings). Of course I could have my liquid substances mixed up.

So final numpty question on this I hope... where do I buy paraffin - DIY store?