Suppressor Cleaning (Closed Can) Question???
Mark C., RancheroPaul and any other Suppressor Savy members, please give me your thoughts and recommendations.
Having gotten into the "Suppressor" mood, I have acquired a selection of "Registered" Suppressors over the last 6 months.
These are all GemTech brand and I am very satisfied with their suppression level, so whether right or wrong on what I bought, that's not a "changeable" situation. So, my question is: How best to Clean "Closed Can" Suppressors.
I can't say I'm overly impressed with the Operation and Maintenance suggestions, but if there on track-so be it and that's okay with me, if it's what you guys agree with.
Book States: ROUTINE CLEANING
Cleaning primarily will remove unburned powder residues. There are no perfect solvents for the carbon deposited on the internal parts by the burning of the powder and some carbon residues will slightly enhance performance. We have found however, that lacquer thinner mixed with Diesel fuel and some carburetor cleaners are among the better solvents for suppressor cleaning. NEVER use solvents containing ammonia, which can damage aluminum parts. This includes Hoppe's, Sweets and "GI" bore cleaner.
Meticulous cleaning is not necessary for full performance and there is no advantage to having the internal parts bright and shiny.
Cleaning by immersion may be performed every 2-3000 rounds if desired.
An immersion tank can be made from 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe with an end cap cemented in place. Some carburetor cleaners and the solvents used in "automotive parts degreasers" supposedly will dissolve caked-on carbon. After soaking, blow out with compressed air.
Also they state:
If desired, it is acceptable to spray the inside with a Teflon based lubricant (such as Break Free) to decrease carbon build-up within the suppressor.
SOOOOOOOO......This is all and good, but "WHAT" mixture (ratio of each) of "WHAT" ingredients would be the best? OR is there a "Ready-To-Use" cleaner available?
All help is appreciated, as I would like to get as much efficiency and life out of my suppressors as possible.
Having gotten into the "Suppressor" mood, I have acquired a selection of "Registered" Suppressors over the last 6 months.
These are all GemTech brand and I am very satisfied with their suppression level, so whether right or wrong on what I bought, that's not a "changeable" situation. So, my question is: How best to Clean "Closed Can" Suppressors.
I can't say I'm overly impressed with the Operation and Maintenance suggestions, but if there on track-so be it and that's okay with me, if it's what you guys agree with.
Book States: ROUTINE CLEANING
Cleaning primarily will remove unburned powder residues. There are no perfect solvents for the carbon deposited on the internal parts by the burning of the powder and some carbon residues will slightly enhance performance. We have found however, that lacquer thinner mixed with Diesel fuel and some carburetor cleaners are among the better solvents for suppressor cleaning. NEVER use solvents containing ammonia, which can damage aluminum parts. This includes Hoppe's, Sweets and "GI" bore cleaner.
Meticulous cleaning is not necessary for full performance and there is no advantage to having the internal parts bright and shiny.
Cleaning by immersion may be performed every 2-3000 rounds if desired.
An immersion tank can be made from 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe with an end cap cemented in place. Some carburetor cleaners and the solvents used in "automotive parts degreasers" supposedly will dissolve caked-on carbon. After soaking, blow out with compressed air.
Also they state:
If desired, it is acceptable to spray the inside with a Teflon based lubricant (such as Break Free) to decrease carbon build-up within the suppressor.
SOOOOOOOO......This is all and good, but "WHAT" mixture (ratio of each) of "WHAT" ingredients would be the best? OR is there a "Ready-To-Use" cleaner available?
All help is appreciated, as I would like to get as much efficiency and life out of my suppressors as possible.
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Buying a quart can of Lacquer thinner and adding it to a gallon of Diesel fuel should make you a good mix to begin with. Lacquer thinner evaporates very fast and quicker than that when the temperature rises. It will stay a good amount of time in a tightly closed container when mixed with Diesel fuel. You can always add another quart if the mixture seems to no be working. I would "swish" the suppressor out during cleaning and do that several times until the "cleaning fluid" is no longer turning completely black.
Cleaning is a minimal task, in my opinion. These things work better "dirty." But, you don't want to let them reach a point where they become "solid" inside...........Hahahahaha!
I know a guy that uses carbureator spray after each use. Sprays it through it and allows it to drip out. Does that several times and has never cleaned it using the "MIXTURE." Swears by it!
Somewhere there you will reach a "happy medium" with the factory book suggestions and what you find is required and practical. Experience and use will dictate your needs regarding cleaning. Try it.....you'll see! Good Luck and Enjoy!!!
Contrary to what you may have been told, "Green Jello is a Side Dish, NOT Dessert!"0 -
quote:An immersion tank can be made from 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe with an end cap cemented in place. Some carburetor cleaners and the solvents used in "automotive parts degreasers" supposedly will dissolve caked-on carbon. After soaking, blow out with compressed air.
Steve - What ever you do do not mix / use PVC and chlorinated solvents together (e.g. carburetor cleaners, TCE, PCE, MEK, etc...) These chlorinated solvents will dissolve the PVC and the dissolveed PVC will then adhere to the baffles in the suppressor. Remember like dissolves like.
Boomer, a chemistry major
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as it is by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed."
NRA Life Member0 -
What I do is take them to work. There we have a auto parts washing tank. The parts cleaning tank with a built in pump, we bought from Harbor Freight for $50, then 5 gals of water based solvent was another $25.
I take the suppressor set it up on end, insert the parts washer hose into the can and let it run for a couple of hours, then air blow them out until dry.
As for lube I use Breakfree or LPS, both are silicone based.
Walte
PS The parts washer tank also works great for gun cleaning, good investment.
Glad you reminded me I gotta clean mine this week, been putting it off....0
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