Well, at the engineering company I used to work at, I had to do some
research on remediation of soil and groundwater with halogenated
volatile contamination. The chemicals of concern were trichloroethene
(TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE). These are great, great solvents, but
as stated by Mark, are considered hazardous to the environment. I have
studied the progression of the environmental laws and I would have to
state that the hazards to the environment are overestimated, but I'm not
implying there are no deleterious effects. Halogenated chemicals will
contain an element from the Halogen class of chemicals on the periodical
chart.
John asked about soaking carburetor parts in them. The chemical of
choice is methylene chloride. It will strip fuel residue and gunk from
a carb in 2 seconds flat. Goto your friendly local auto parts store
(FLAPS) and check their carb cleaners. If you're lucky, you'll find
some cheap brand that still lists methylene chloride. Otherwise, your
best bet is to take the carbs to a machine shop where you can have them
dipped. They will have some decent solvents for cleaning.
Don't even try to find TCE. You'll get laughed out of every shop.
Luckily, I have a few cans stashed away for a rainy day.
Jay
Mark Rayborn wrote:
>
> I believe Trichlorofluoroethane is one. Commonly called TF. Excellent
> cleaner and solvent. However, it is particularly nasty to the ozone
> layer. It will also make your head pound if you breathe just a small
> amount of fumes. In the US you have to have a business license to
> purchase it. It is controlled under those pesky "freon" laws.
> Vallely wrote:
> >
> > Hello--
> > Any of you folks know what halogenated hydrocarbons are, or what
> > products have them?
> > --or why I'd want to soak my carburator parts in them?
> > Thanks in advance.
> > John Vallely
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