Warning on Using Brake and Carb Cleaners

[72 S Trga]

I found this on the Shelby forums.

I don't know how many of you Gents (and Ladies) use Carb Cleaner and Brake Cleaner that's available in aerosol spray cans from various companies. But be VERY careful when it’s exposed to high heat.

This guy was using some to clean up areas he was about to weld, just like he had a hundred time before. This time, however, the cleaners didn’t completely evaporate, the high heat and acetylene gas reacted with it and created a toxic gas (hydrogen chloride) that almost killed him. He still will have some long term effects.

Who knew we were supposed to actually READ the warning labels!!

http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

[Bullethead]

What's scary is how frequently these products are used in proximity to high heat, given their purpose. Labels do warn about phosgene... no matter how these solvents are used, good ventilation is required. A big shop fan has been my answer but I'll never use brake-clean around heat ever again. That anectdote is frightening as hell. Poor guy's affected forever.

[Michael - 69E]

VERY scary stuff.

Same components are found in freons in aircon units - so be careful with those as well.

[davep]

Hydrogen chloride when dissolved in water becomes hydrochloric acid. Weaker forms are known as muriatic acid used for etching metal and concrete. Weaker still, it is the acid in your stomach that digests the food you eat. Defintely not something you want in your lungs.

[911scfanatic]

Thanks for the warning. Reminders are always helpful, especially when you don't weld frequently it's easier to forget...