Hi sorry if this question has been covered or is so basic that I shouldn't ask it... but:

I don't have access to a proper shop... I live in China most of the year and have amassed the parts for a complete wartime gearbox (mine is currently postwar). The last part I needed and found is a NOS mainshaft, which is the first NOS part I have ever bought.

I felt terrible opening that perfect, ancient box, but I did. Now I'm faced with that mesh material, and grease (right?). What would be the best way to clean this thing up here without access to a wash station, and limited access to chemicals? If there is no good way, I suppose I could try to bring it to a shop and ask them to clean it for me...

Thanks!

email (option): nicktog@gmail.com

I would say white spirit would be a good thing to clean off packing grease.. Obviously not sure of how obtainable latter is in China!!! HTH.... Ian

email (option): ian(at)integsci.com

Put it in an old pan (wok ) of water after stripping off as much of the paper wrapper etc. as you can...Then slowly warm it up to boiling temperature.

The cosmolene preservative will melt off the part..Give it a final wipe over to remove residue while the part is still hot....

When the Cosmolene cools down again it will return to its former immovable consistency...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Thanks as always guys! Sounds like I have two good ways to try.

I will be posting shimming questions here soon, I guess.

Thanks again!
nt

email (option): nicktog@gmail.com