CHAPTER 3. MAINTENANCE CLEANING PROCEDURES AND ALTERNATIVE SOLVENTS SELECTION GUIDANCE

TB 43-0135

CHAPTER 3

MAINTENANCE CLEANING PROCEDURES AND ALTERNATIVE

SOLVENTS SELECTION GUIDANCE

Section I. Obsolete Procedures

3-1.

General Information on obsolete procedures

Solvents such as 1,1,1 trichloroethane and tichlorotrifluoroethane were generally considered "Universal Solvents" They

were very effective, non-flammable, rapid drying and were used in numerous processes and on many types of materials.

There is no single "drop in" replacement for these solvents. There are many alternatives, each of which has different

qualities and effectiveness. Several alternative materials may be required to perform all of the functions that were

previously by one of the "Universal Solvents" in the past. The selection of an alternative should include a review of the

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information for that material, with attention to Flammability Ratings, Flash Point

Temperatures and Safety Information.

3-2. For your information, following are typical examples of obsolete cleaning procedures which reference the use of

ODS solvents.

a. Remove grease, fungus, and ground-in dirt from surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened (not wet) with

trichlorotrifluoroethane.;

b. Clean solder connections using trichloroethane. Blow dry.;

c. Use dry, clean, it-free cloth or brush to remove dust or dirt. If needed, moisten cloth or brush with

tricorotrifluoroethane. After cleaning, wipe with clean dry cloth.;

d. To remove grease, fungus, or corrosion, use a cloth dampened in Freon TE;

e. Tape Drive Tape Head Cleaning Method - Soak a lint-less cotton swab with Freon TF or tape head cleaner. Clean

the tape head using the cotton swab.

3-3. Following are typical examples of Aqueous Cleaning procedures found in Technical Manuals, also included for your

information.

NOTE

These procedures are not obsolete, however, this TB contains expanded

recommendations for Aqueous cleaning procedures

a. Dampen cloth with water, using liquid detergent, if necessary.;

b. Wash area with strong solution of detergent. Rinse area with warm or hot water Insure that area is dry before

applying power to assembly.;

c. Clean meter faces and control panels with water and a mild detergent.;

3-1