Fuel stain removal

[Steve65E-NC]

I have some internal wing root blue fuel stains from a, now replaced, fuel level sender gasket.  What best removes that stain with minimum impact on chromate paint and internal tank sealer.  I tried vinegar and avgas but they did not appear to touch it.  

[EricJ]

Mineral spirits, acetone, MEK, in ascending order of aggression.       Acetone usually takes it right off in my experience.   Just don't go crazy with it and your paint will be fine.   All of them evaporate fairly quickly.

 

[ArtVandelay]

I would try avgas/mogas first, and maybe nail polish remover before pure acetone...should be less harsh.

[xavierde]

Kerosene is supposed to work well and was recommended in some Mooney POH to clean oil on the aircraft belly.

[EricJ]

2 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

I would try avgas/mogas first, and maybe nail polish remover before pure acetone...should be less harsh.

Nail polish remover is typically acetone, sometimes MEK.   It's just a lot more expensive and in a prettier package.

[ArtVandelay]

Nail polish remover is typically acetone, sometimes MEK.   It's just a lot more expensive and in a prettier package.

You can’t even find MEK anymore, they have a MEK substitute now, and nail polish remover has also been changing...now they use less harsh chemicals.


Tom

[N201MKTurbo]

Ethanol (AKA denatured alcohol)  works as well as MEK. Might take the paint too. Try a little bit first.