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Old 04-18-2026, 12:11 PM   #1
19Fordy
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Default Penetrating Oil Information

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.
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Last edited by 19Fordy; 04-18-2026 at 12:17 PM.
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Old 04-18-2026, 12:30 PM   #2
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Default 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.
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Old 04-18-2026, 12:34 PM   #3
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
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.


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Old 04-18-2026, 02:20 PM   #4
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

And Howes Penetrant beats all of above in my testing over many years.
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Old 04-18-2026, 05:17 PM   #5
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Default 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?
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Old 04-18-2026, 06:00 PM   #6
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Quote:
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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
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Old 04-18-2026, 06:10 PM   #7
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Quote:
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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.
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Old 04-18-2026, 09:18 PM   #8
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Default 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.
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Old 04-18-2026, 09:37 PM   #9
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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.

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.
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Old 04-19-2026, 06:58 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 04-19-2026, 07:07 AM   #11
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Yes to Free-All.
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Old 04-19-2026, 08:13 AM   #12
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Quote:
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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.
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Old 04-19-2026, 09:54 AM   #13
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

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

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/f...ng-oil.196347/
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Old 04-19-2026, 10:09 AM   #14
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This oil article surfaces about every 6 months..
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Old 04-19-2026, 10:44 AM   #15
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Default 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?
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Old 04-19-2026, 02:21 PM   #16
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Default 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.

Last edited by tubman; 04-19-2026 at 02:50 PM.
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Old 04-19-2026, 02:56 PM   #17
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Kroil has never failed me!
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Old 04-19-2026, 07:56 PM   #18
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Default 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.
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Old 04-20-2026, 05:38 AM   #19
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Default 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.

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Old 04-22-2026, 01:40 AM   #20
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

50/50 Atf and Diesel work well
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Old 04-22-2026, 06:31 PM   #21
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

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.
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Old 04-22-2026, 06:36 PM   #22
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

Quote:
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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.
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Old 04-22-2026, 06:54 PM   #23
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

https://www.amazon.com/Brimshiner-Ar...901110&sr=8-22
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Old 04-22-2026, 07:37 PM   #24
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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
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Old 04-23-2026, 07:24 AM   #25
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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!
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Old 04-23-2026, 02:36 PM   #26
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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.
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Old 05-23-2026, 09:17 PM   #27
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The best one I’ve ever used is made by Schaeffer oils, it’s called Penetro 90
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Old 05-23-2026, 09:43 PM   #28
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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!
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Old 05-24-2026, 11:19 AM   #29
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Default Re: Penetrating Oil Information

I have found Traveler Heavy Duty Penetrating Oil from Tractor Supply works very well
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Old 05-24-2026, 05:28 PM   #30
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I have thinned ATF with kerosene and it seems to work ok.
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Old 05-27-2026, 06:13 PM   #31
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Liquid wrench! (info for the younger generations)
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