What happens when ATF mixes with acetone?

Fritz Maurer · Jan 8, 2013

I keep seeing this repeated reference to this mixture to free stuck motors. Does it eat rust or something?

Ted in NE-OH · Jan 8, 2013

It is very thin and gets into small places and lubricates.

old · Jan 8, 2013

ATF is in fact a 20 or so weight oil but extra high detergent type oil and then mixed with the acetone which thins it a lot it gets into places most other penetrating oils will never got to

4020guy · Jan 8, 2013

Acetone is a solvent[nail polish remover], the ATF has the lubrication property. The acetone is quite thin and soaks and penetrates and carries the ATF into the seized area. I have read that brake fluid added to this mixture works well too but it forms a suspension and does not stay mixed. I use a 50/50 mixture and have had some success....Ron

Briar Hill Brittanys · Jan 8, 2013

Which type ATF is supposed to be used? Dexron, type F, Mercon?

4020guy · Jan 8, 2013

I use Dexron because thats what I have[GM man]. Some purist's suggest used ATF is even better. Like I said I've had some limited success...Ron

VADAVE · Jan 9, 2013

I agree with Old and 4020.
It will lift the deposits off the pan and other metal parts it will also eat any paper filters you have in the system. Ask me how i know.
So I wouls suggest after you have drained it out you also change the filter and flush the system particularly if you cycled the mix through the system.

Bret4207 · Jan 9, 2013

The problem with brake fluid is that it's hygroscopic, that is, it draws water. It's a little like throwing salt water into the situation, so I'd avoid that idea. I never did understand why all brake fluids seem to be hygroscopic. It contributes to the rust in the brake system.

In addition to the detergents in the ATF there are other additives that make it a great lube. It's a wonderful light oil for a lot of things.

dej(Jed) · Jan 9, 2013

(quoted from post at 20:04:37 01/08/13) I keep seeing this repeated reference to this mixture to free stuck motors. Does it eat rust or something?

You just need a solvent to facilitate the movement, so who cares what the long term effects would be. There is no secret elixir. You are not going to be running with the mixture on the parts at engine temps.. I have found that a spray of blaster, a wooden block and a ten lb sledge will free most stuck engines.

jackinok · Jan 9, 2013

I've used it with good success, but it evaporates so quicly when its really hot out that i cant use it most of the time.thats my only complaint with it.

John B. · Jan 9, 2013

I just wonder how Coca Cola would work on stuck engines. I've always heard it works great on the old split ring rims for breaking the tires loose from the rusty rims.

jackinok · Jan 9, 2013

the old coke was actually pretty good,new formulation doesnt do much,had to do with the acid in it that the save the world folks forced them to remove,or cut way down on. i have actually unstuck small engines using coke . never tried it in a large engine. flushed them well of course afterwards.works best on a part you can let soak. i actually found a old shotgun in a dry lake bed once.the stock was gone,all that was left was metal and it was rusted in one solid chunk.took it home to experiment on and tried everything i could find to remove rust. coke was the ONLY thing that i tried that removed enough rust,and penetrated enough to make the parts move.these days i use electralysis on everything i can.

What happens when ATF mixes with acetone?

Fritz Maurer

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Ted in NE-OH

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old

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4020guy

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Briar Hill Brittanys

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4020guy

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VADAVE

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Bret4207

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dej(Jed)

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jackinok

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John B.

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jackinok

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