VERY interesting thread.
I have heard for years that the WD in WD-40 stands for 'Water Displacement.'
[Does anyone know what the '40' stands for?]
Guess that is why it works so well on wet wiring, distributer caps, etc.
One thing NOT to use it for is locks!
As posted earlier, it's petroleum base, does attract dust, dirt, etc., and might eventually gum up the pins, tumblers, etc.
EVERY master locksmith I have talked to recommends graphite powder for locks.
Be sure to 'work it in,' inserting and removing the key several times - and REMEMBER that there will probably be graphite residue on your key, so wipe it off before putting it back in your pocket.
Reminds me about the 'lore' of the 10-15 onion.
Seems as though they plant them on the 15th of Octrober every year.
Then again, it might have something to do with the Texas A & M University Agricultural Research facility, where the onion was developed, in South Texas, being located on Texas Farm Road 1015!
Didn't know that!! I've used Wire-Dri (yellow can?) & WD-40 back in the 60's & 70's when dist. caps & ign. coils failed so often when wet!! I thought WD-40 was mainly designed as a penetraitng fluid for rusted fasteners & the wet ignition use was a bonus.
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"I have a new invention, 'Instant Water'. I don't know what to add to it!"
WD-40 is good for one thing in Texas. That is starting a diesel engine when it is cold out.
Use it two or three times a year in January.
It will lock up any moving parts in a day or two. It is not a lubricat in dusty conditions but starts diesel real well.
Andrew Selking
WBCCI # 6062 VAC
Last edited by Andrew Selking; 04-01-2004 at 06:01 PM..
The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and de-greaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. It's name comes from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were
successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.
The rock guard on my front window is frozen so tightly that it feels like it's welded. I was gonna spray WD-40 but thought I would read in here first, because I don't want to do any MORE damage to my Trade Wind's skin.
After reading this thread, I THINK I can safely spray it on the latches, of course I will mop up what runs down the front!
Any input? OK to spray it on the latches of the rock guard?
Having never tasted WD-40 I wasn't aware of its tract qualities but should I use it on the door latch of my trailer? It doesn't stick all that well so I was thinking of using white grease--just a little. My door latch sticks.
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Kistler
Brenda
Misty (Maltese)
Maxwell (grey tabby)
2002 Classic 25'
2003 Expedition EB 5.4L, AWD, AdvanceTrac Class IV hitch pkg. Reese dual cam/Prodigy
John, have you ever tried Howe's oil? It seems to be real good stuff. While not as reportedly universal as WD 40, it is very good as a penetrating oil, and doesn't dry.
Terry
never heard of it terry!
john
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you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
My wife and I purchased an Argosy Minuet 6.0 wich had peeling decal striping around the entire periphery! The WD-40 removed all the glue residue without harmimg the painted surface! It worked better than anything else I tried, and made a big job a lot smaller!
be sure to search the forums for the dangers of WD 40. Being a machinist (I read your profile!) you probably already know about material safety, so 'nuf said!.
Since you're in Windsor, you ought to come to the Mackinaw City rally next month. We're new to Airstream ownership and the forum, too, so you know that there will be other newbies there too!.
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