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19Fordy 04-18-2026 12:11 PM

Penetrating Oil Information
 

2 Attachment(s)
I found this info from Machinist's Workshop Magazine which shows the mix of
50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone is the best penetrating fluid to use.
It worked better than any commercial product they used on a "rusty bolt test". The torque readings really reveal a big difference. I know many Fordbarner's alreadyuse the 50/50 mix but, it was interesting to see test results.

alexiskai 04-18-2026 12:30 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

You have to be a little more careful using 50/50 because the acetone wants to evaporate immediately, so you gotta mix/shake it right before use and keep it tightly sealed.

petehoovie 04-18-2026 12:34 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy (Post 2447645)
I found this info from Machinist's Workshop Magazine which shows the mix of
50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone is the best penetrating fluid to use.
It worked better than any commercial product they used on a "rusty bolt test". The torque readings really reveal a big difference. I know many Fordbarner's alreadyuse the 50/50 mix but, it was interesting to see test results.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1776532225

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1776532251

KiWinUS 04-18-2026 02:20 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

And Howes Penetrant beats all of above in my testing over many years.

JayChicago 04-18-2026 05:17 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?

alexiskai 04-18-2026 06:00 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayChicago (Post 2447691)
I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?


It’s from April 2007

ford38v8 04-18-2026 06:10 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayChicago (Post 2447691)
I have seen the home brew 50-50 mix recommended many times, but was always skeptical that it would actually be better than known commercial products. When was that test done? How old is that magazine article?

The reason our economy is strong: The American public is conditioned to believe that highly advertised products at inflated prices must surely be better than can be made inexpensively at home.

tubman 04-18-2026 09:18 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I thought I saw a similar test on YouTube a few years ago that put the Acetone/ATF in the middle of the pack.

I'm too old to go look for it.:o

alexiskai 04-18-2026 09:37 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman (Post 2447732)
I thought I saw a similar test on YouTube a few years ago that put the Acetone/ATF in the middle of the pack.

I'm too old to go look for it.:o


In 2018, Project Farm ran a set of tests and ranked 50/50 #2, with Liquid Wrench #1. For seized fasteners, heating is superior to all oils.

Tim Ayers 04-19-2026 06:58 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexiskai (Post 2447735)
In 2018, Project Farm ran a set of tests and ranked 50/50 #2, with Liquid Wrench #1. For seized fasteners, heating is superior to all oils.

Agree on heat when you can get to it. I've had great luck using a product Free All. It was recommended to me from a busy diesel mechanic. He said he's tried them all.

1952henry 04-19-2026 07:07 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Yes to Free-All.

The Art Doctor 04-19-2026 08:13 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexiskai (Post 2447648)
You have to be a little more careful using 50/50 because the acetone wants to evaporate immediately, so you gotta mix/shake it right before use and keep it tightly sealed.




The secret is to only use mineral ATF, not synthetic. The acetone will not go into the synthetic and separates out quickly and thus can evolve. If you use mineral ATF it fully goes into solution and does not have those issues.

19Fordy 04-19-2026 09:54 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

The article was in the April 2007 Machinist's Magazine.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/f...ng-oil.196347/

42merc 04-19-2026 10:09 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

This oil article surfaces about every 6 months..

leon bee 04-19-2026 10:44 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Is Free-All the one that smells good? Got some of it somewhere, seemed real good.

Has ANYbody ANYwhere ever seen any of that stuff work it's way down to the threads of a really rusted bolt?

tubman 04-19-2026 02:21 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I don't know about Free-All, but Marvel Mystery Oil smells so good that I use it in both my gas and oil.:)

Cecil/WV 04-19-2026 02:56 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Kroil has never failed me!

ford38v8 04-19-2026 07:56 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

3 ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil in the washer with your work clothes imparts that most elusive aroma of Master Mechanic. A side benefit: You’ll have no further need for deodorant or skin moisturizer.

32Bee 04-20-2026 05:38 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I agree with Cecil/WV. I've been using Kroil for years along with an application of a little
acetylene heat and it has never failed me. If something is heavily rusted, wait a day or two
before attempting to loosen.

Peter

aussie merc 04-22-2026 01:40 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

50/50 Atf and Diesel work well

GB SISSON 04-22-2026 06:31 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

1 Attachment(s)
This has been my 'go to' for many years. Unfortunately it has become increasingly hard to find. And you definately do not wanna dump any of this in your wife's washing machine.

petehoovie 04-22-2026 06:36 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB SISSON (Post 2448309)
This has been my 'go to' for many years. Unfortunately it has become increasingly hard to find. And you definately do not wanna dump any of this in your wife's washing machine.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1776900713

petehoovie 04-22-2026 06:54 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

https://www.amazon.com/Brimshiner-Ar...901110&sr=8-22
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/..._AC_UL320_.jpg

J Franklin 04-22-2026 07:37 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Overfishing in the Pacific has caused too many whales to starve and wash ashore. the government won't let anyone salvage them. In Oregon they dispose by Dynamite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na_zKbN2VJw

Tim Ayers 04-23-2026 07:24 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB SISSON (Post 2448309)
This has been my 'go to' for many years. Unfortunately it has become increasingly hard to find. And you definately do not wanna dump any of this in your wife's washing machine.

Now that is a very cool can!

Zeke3 04-23-2026 02:36 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Thanks J Franklin for posting the link, that was a whale of a story. Every time I think about it I get a smile on my face.:)

DaleandNatalie 05-23-2026 09:17 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

The best one I’ve ever used is made by Schaeffer oils, it’s called Penetro 90

tubman 05-23-2026 09:43 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Congratulations; you have made your tenth post so you can PM members and use the "Swap Meet". You'll find this forum a very useful asset when working on these cars.

Welcome!:)

65f100 05-24-2026 11:19 AM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I have found Traveler Heavy Duty Penetrating Oil from Tractor Supply works very well

kiwi nz 05-24-2026 05:28 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

I have thinned ATF with kerosene and it seems to work ok.

highbeams 05-27-2026 06:13 PM

Re: Penetrating Oil Information
 

Liquid wrench! (info for the younger generations)


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