Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Vizzy
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Refrain from using harsh solvents on any rubber OR synthetic moulded parts. Brake cleaner is VERY harsh!!!!!
Depends on what kind of brake cleaner. "Non Chlorinated" brake cleaners contain acetone, naptha, and several other harsh solvents and will attack plastics, but not most synthetic and natural rubbers. Its designed NOT to harm the rubber boots around the pistons in brake calipers, for example.
Regular tetrachloroethylene brake cleaner is the same thing as dry-cleaning fluid, and its even milder on plastics and rubber. There are a few plastics that it will hurt, but for the most part its very safe on plastic and rubber. If it doesn't hurt cashmere sweaters, it isn't going to hurt CV boots.
Hmmmmmm....I was on a chainsaw forum recently and I could have sworn that they recommended just the opposite, to safely clean out carburators. They recommended the non-chlorinated because it would not affect interior seals.
Now I have to see if I can find it. One poster claimed it was from a STIHL TSB.