Cleaning Fluid Recipe

[aitaita]

Hi all,

I have this solution formula that was passed down a few years ago by a family member who has since passed, And I've just recently found a need to use it.

My main concern is the Ammonia as he never told me what concentration to use, I have some of their old lab bottles but they are near-empty and from the 60 years old

I found a similar post so I'm probably going to aim for <3% Ammonia in my final solution, but just wanted to check if anyone has used a similar solution?

Either way, I will experiment on some parts watches first.

1fl oz Oleic acid
1fl oz Ammonia (Concentration?) 3fl oz Ammonia (25%)
1fl oz Acetone
2 pints water

 

[gpraceman]

I found a couple of recipes.  So, about 5% - 8% by volume is ammonia.

I made up a batch from the first recipe and use that to clean cases in my ultrasonic cleaner.  I use commercial fluids (L&R) in my watch cleaning machine.  I did first try the recipe solution for cleaning movements, but got much better results with the commercial wash and rinse solutions.

In the 1945 book, “War Department Technical Manual TM 9-1575”, page 40, the recommended solution was:
    One gallon boiling water
    2 oz soap (mild Castile) (can probably substitute 1 oz Dawn dish soap)
    6 oz ammonia
    12 oz alcohol

In Archie Perkins book, “Antique Watch Restoration” on page 12 he gives this water-based formula:
    2 oz. Oleic Acid (CP grade special light)
    4 oz Acetone
    8 oz Ammonia (Ammonium Hydroxide 28%)
    1 gallon of Distilled water

[aitaita]

25% Seems to be working well for me

Wash:
1fl oz Oleic acid
1fl oz Ammonia (25%)
1fl oz Acetone
2 pints water

 

My process:

Wash: 3 Mins
Naptha Rinse: 2 Mins
IPA Rinse: 1.5 Mins