Reload Motor Casing Cleaning

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By Lance Alligood

This method works for all brands and sizes of reloadable motor hardware from 18mm to 98mm. It is particularly useful when you want to use the same casing multiple times at a launch as well as making it easier to do a more thorough clean up when returning home from a launch.

ITEMS NEEDED:

• 2 plastic 32oz spray bottles (from a $1 store)
• 1 plastic bucket (from a $1 store)
• 1 gallon jug of white vinegar (available at most grocery stores for $2-3)
• 1 bottle of dish detergent
• 1 sponge
• 1 toothbrush or small scrub brush
• 1 wood dowel (at least 1/2" diameter and as long as your largest motor casing)
• 1 roll of paper towels
• Optional: Plastic baggies or small trash bags
• Optional: Rubber gloves

BEFORE THE LAUNCH:

• 1) Using a permanent marker, label one bottle as "WATER" and the other bottle as "CLEANING SOLUTION" for easy identification.
• 2) Fill the WATER spray bottle with water.
• 3) Fill the CLEANING SOLUTION bottle with one part (~16oz) water, one part (~16oz) white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dish detergent.
• 4) The plastic bucket serves as a handy carrying case for the bottles, sponge, scrub brush, dowel, paper towels, and any optional items.

AT THE LAUNCH:

• 1) Wait until the motor is cool enough to safely handle.
• 2) Disassemble the motor according to the manufacturer's directions/reload instructions. Dispose of the liner and other replaceable items as appropriate.
• 3) Using the CLEANER, liberally spray all of the casings, closures, snap rings, nozzles, etc. and put them in the plastic bucket to soak for at least 5 minutes (but they can soak as long as you like--even till you return home).
• 4) Scrub any parts as necessary with the sponge and/or scrub brush to remove any stubborn residue.
• 5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 if necessary.
• 6) Rinse the parts by spraying them with the WATER bottle.
• 7) Dry parts with paper towels.

GUEST's OPINION:
"" (X.X.)

1. Motors
   To clean threads on AT motor casings - Dawn dish detergent, hot water and toothbrush. - D.R. from RMR
2. Motors
   RMS: I've been using baby wipes to clean RMS casings, which works OK, but not great. And when I was out of baby wipes after my last flight of the fall, I let the casing sit for a couple months without cleaning it. When I got around to trying to clean it, the dried-on schmutz wouldn't budge. Then my Rocket Bunny (my wife Terrie) suggested a solution of 1 part white vinegar, 1 part liquid dish soap, and 1 part hot water. I soaked the casing for 2 or 3 hours, and all the residue had turned to soft black goo, that I was able to wipe off with a wet paper towel, with no scrubbing! - J.D.
3. Motors
   To clean threads on AT motor casings - I use a mixture of 50% water and 50% Simple Green. I have a gallon jug for the field and 5 gal. bucket at home. In the field, I use a toothbrush, not a brass one. The solution can be used over and over without negative affects. I usually let the stubborn stuff soak for 2 days before trying to remove deposits. WARNING: Simple Green turns out to be a much nastier solvent than you would think. The military is saying not to use it for their stuff any more: http://safety.army.mil/pages/lessonslearned/simplegreens.html - J.P. and M.S. from RMR
4. Motors
   To clean threads on AT motor casings: A stiff toothbrush & Gun Scrubber Solvent. - N.T. from RMR