gunked up rifle

[Battis]

I have an 1889 Marlin .32-20 in good shape. Every few months I strip it down and clean it because the internals are gunked up with a brown, sticky crud. I have no idea what the crud is. I thought I got it all off, but it comes back, even if I don't shoot the rifle. What can I soak the parts in to remove it and keep it off?

Answer: Mineral spirits...

[Shawlerbrook]

Smaller parts can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Larger parts cleaned with aerosol engine cleaner and a brass brush.

[Bazoo]

That is interesting. Maybe it was years of 3in1 oil use?

[Battis]

I'm wondering if it was oil that I used, or lube, or just old stuff in the metal that I never really got rid of.

[Minerat]

Mineral spirits as you say or kerosene if you are taking the stock off. I use break cleaner in my Auto 5s instead of taking the bolt/trigger group out. Just be careful to keep it off your stock, it will take the finish off.

[725]

I made a copper (plumbing pipe) tube - end cap soldiered w/ a wooden rack to hold it vertical for soaking the bolt on a Marlin. It was a horrible bolt, but soaking, cleaning, soaking, etc. brought it around easily.

[Battis]

The bore isn't bad, but the internals are. I have it soaking in CLP now. For all I know, CLP might be the problem. But I use BP in this rifle, so maybe it's the lube I used.

[Gray Fox]

I think the CLP and BP is the problem. I'd switch to Ballistol. GF

[webfoot10]

When I was in service, I'd use Brake Clean to clean the m-16 rifle. The brake clean
would wash all the gunk out of the action and bolt. Then relube with 3-in1 oil in the
needle tipped applicator. Lube only the wear points with the oil. If it is a sliding part
use Luba Plate to lightly lube with. Wipe down gun with a lightly oiled rag and you
are done. I clean the barrel with a pull thru string with a cotterpin on one end and
a loop on the other end . One patch socked with hoppies solvent to clean, followed
by a dry patch. Never failed a rifle inspection. Most people overlube their firearms.
If you use the Brake Clean on a rifle with a wood stock, be careful as it will take off
the finish, --Don't-- use carburator cleaner as it will remove blueing.

[northmn]

Black powder is not friendly with petroleum products. Hot water or windshield washer is often used to clean BP barrels and a good soaking in that might be an answer. Often used hot water and let dry form the heat then oiled immediately. Looked at it again shortly. BP should not really contaminate the action if proper steps are taken like cleaning with the barrel pointed downward.


DEP

[Battis]

I've been shooting BP guns for years and never saw any gunk like this. I think it was something left over from a previous owner that I never completely removed. The parts have been soaking in CLP and the brown stuff is washing out.

[Rick B]

As Minerat mentioned, mineral spirits/paint thinner. Let it soak and then gently agitate with a old toothbrush.
Rick

[Bulldogger]

I agree, CLP has too much thickener in it. Using it in the military it did its job to penetrate the pores of the metal well enough, but it also meant that a rifle was NEVER clean as it was always leaching something out. I did NOT like using CLP. +1 on mineral spirits, that's what I'd use.
BDGR

[Winger Ed.]

the internals are gunked up with a brown, sticky crud.

That sounds like WD-40 or oil so old it may have an antique value.
But it will eventually soak and brush or blow off.