Casing clean up question

Hi all,
When using the Aerotech reload systems, I was wondering if using the O-ring lube on the inner wall of the aluminum casing helps keep some of the hard deposits from sticking. Is this helpful? Thanks for any information...

You'll find mixed opinions. Some people lube the heck out of everything that isn't a propellant grain or the delay element, others are fairly minimalistic with the grease. At the end of the day, people from both camps sometimes have a really easy clean up, and sometimes have a really irritating one. Personally, I haven't found that it makes a whole lot of difference, so I tend to lean more towards the minimalistic camp (though you definitely want to lube the o-rings generously, and put at least a light coating on the case threads).

Thanks CJL..I kinda figured that was the answer. I'll probably apply a small amount when motor goes into storage just to prevent any corrosion.

Being made from aluminum and anodized to boot, corrosion really isn’t the problem. The reason we lube the threads is to prevent galling and thus seizing, which can be especially bad with anodized aluminum.

Lubing the inside of the case doesn’t seem to make it any easier to clean though it may make it a bit easier to remove the liner.

Lubing the case in addition to the amount they recommend before storage probably doesn't help -- however that means it's not lubed before first use, which might make a difference. If there's anything I haven't been able to get cleaned out of mine, it's still there from the first time.

boomtube and Bill s..I agree with your thoughts. Thank oyu both! I think the lubing of the casing is not significant. I've launched a few since I asked and it really isn't much help. One thing I like to do is to fashion a simple scraper out of hard wood dowel. On several locations where there was some build up for a while, I was able to snap it off the sidewall by just applying constant pressure with the sharpened end of the wood. Once it broke free, the areas was shiny like new. My biggest concern was scratching the casing causing a weakened area.

I used to lube the tubes all the time, paper and phoenelic, but in the last year I have not lubed them at all and I think they are easier to clean un-lubed. So now I just lube the threads of the closures and bottom of the seal-disk.

Since this is the Mid Power thread, I'll talk about my 29/40-120 case. I usually forget to lube the threads. I only use Vaseline. I put a very little on the o-rings, just enough to make them shiny and wipe the rest off with a paper towel. I've been doing it this way for years now, including forgetting to lube the threads. The only load I've had that I though might have benefited from more lube was the G138. It left a spot on the inside of the case near the o-ring that has never cleaned up and I haven't flown another one of those since.

I've never had a liner stick or had enough deposits a baby wipe on the end of a wood dowel couldn't scrap off. I have one case with over 50 flights and it's still going strong.

sunderll said:

boomtube and Bill s..I agree with your thoughts. Thank oyu both! I think the lubing of the casing is not significant. I've launched a few since I asked and it really isn't much help. One thing I like to do is to fashion a simple scraper out of hard wood dowel. On several locations where there was some build up for a while, I was able to snap it off the sidewall by just applying constant pressure with the sharpened end of the wood. Once it broke free, the areas was shiny like new. My biggest concern was scratching the casing causing a weakened area.

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Here you are a seasoned rocketeer and you are reduced to using a Sharpened Stick!!

It’s Okay, we’ve all been there.

boomtube said:

Here you are a seasoned rocketeer and you are reduced to using a Sharpened Stick!!

It’s Okay, we’ve all been there.

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Now you made me feel bad I use a Dull and Rounded Stick :cry:

An overnight soak in white vinegar is one way to loosen up the stubborn deposits. No stick required, just a paper towel or two.

I have heard...no practical experience...that vinegar (acetic acid) will remove the anodizing on the case.

Confirm or deny.

o1d_dude said:

I have heard...no practical experience...that vinegar (acetic acid) will remove the anodizing on the case.

Confirm or deny.

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Good point. I don't notice any fading etc. with 5% white vinegar, but that doesn't mean the anodizing isn't being slowly dissolved. Over time, I'd expect there to be some removal that you would eventually notice.