CLR for CARBON

[Martin52]

.... I am trying out other approaches to remove the hard carbon in this barrel, .

For cleaning out hard carbon in barrels generally, I am wondering whether the answer is more solvent related or time related.

It would be interesting to know, if anyone does, how long it takes carbon to harden in the bore to the point where it is very difficult to remove. I certainly find it more effective to clean whilst the barrel is still warm, the deposits in the bore comes out like grey mud. When left for a few days the brand of solvent does not appear to make much difference and the carbon streaks, especially in the grooves, need a more aggressive approach.

 

[tommeboy]

They did change the formula about 15 years ago. We would pump it through a chiller unit on a induction heater to break up the scale from the water we used to cool it. It normally took a good 12 hours to dissolve the calcium in the lines. Once they changed it it had to be changed at every 12 hours or so and had to run up to 36 hours total to remove the calcium. We since have switched to running it every 30 day for 12 hours to prevent the build up.

 

[Ned Ludd]

For cleaning out hard carbon in barrels generally, I am wondering whether the answer is more solvent related or time related.

It would be interesting to know, if anyone does, how long it takes carbon to harden in the bore to the point where it is very difficult to remove. I certainly find it more effective to clean whilst the barrel is still warm, the deposits in the bore comes out like grey mud. When left for a few days the brand of solvent does not appear to make much difference and the carbon streaks, especially in the grooves, need a more aggressive approach.

Agreed. A few patches of Kroil in a hot barrel at the end of a string of fire does wonders for removing carbon. It definitely seems to me as well that carbon can be removed more easily from a warm/hot barrel.

 

[SPQR70AD]

it is amazing where CLR works wonders for some people then others say it does nothing. I found that I had a pile of black patches after brushing with the CLR out of a "clean" barrel. it was like cleaning the flue pipe of an oil burner

 

[dc.fireman]

I used it (CLR) on several stainless steel rifle barrels with great success. And then I ruined a blued Dan Wesson .44 revolver with it - wiped the bluing right off.

I've been using the method folks here recommended for the last 6 months with good success: some IOSSO or JB Bore Cleaner while the barrel is still warm, and good stiff bronze brush, followed by a trip down the bore with a Teslong bore scope to verify that it's truly clean.

 

[The boogalorian]

Ok, I’m going to jump into the discussion. I’ve been looking for a better way to clean my silencer and muzzle brakes. Previously I was using different combinations of wipeout and ultrasonic cleaning methods. I read this thread and decided to give clr a chance.
First the muzzle brake. Removed it from my barrel and submerged it in 100% clr.
The bubbling started immediately, in about 10 minutes 90% of the carbon was easily removed with a nylon brush. About 1 hour later it was 100% carbon free. It looks exactly like the new/ never mounted brake that I have. Even the carbon in the unused portion of the threads was completely removed. I rinsed with water and mounted it back on the barrel.



Wish I had before photos. I very impressed with the results. As always proceed with caution when using chemicals on you prized possessions. I will post the results of the silencer cleaning when it is done.

 

[jelenko]

Wow. Pretty clean [trying here for an understatement]

 

[tsyarnall]

I’m wondering if it may be older CLR that works so well as they have changed the formula (According to their website) recently due to changes in EPA policy and practices. The older CLR had phosphoric acid in its formula. The website doesn’t say when the formula was changed.

Scott

 

[The boogalorian]

I’m wondering if it may be older CLR that works so well as they have changed the formula (According to their website) recently due to changes in EPA policy and practices. The older CLR had phosphoric acid in its formula. The website doesn’t say when the formula was changed.

Scott

I got my CLR this week from amazon and another bottle today at Lowes. Pretty sure it is new stock.

 

[memilanuk]

@1badgoat I've heard of people using CLR for cleaning muzzle devices before... I've also seen some pics where CLR didn't play nice with the finish on some of those brakes, adapters, etc. Glad to see it didn't do that to yours!

 

[The boogalorian]

I had a couple of spare muzzle brakes laying around so I thru them in the sonic cleaner with clr. Here are the results.



Not perfect, but pretty darn good.

And here is the inside of the silencer. Once again, not perfect but pretty good.