I have a gallon jug of Breakfree that I bought 12-15 years ago. The plastic of the jug is transparent and when I tilt it I can see solids have fallen out of suspension and collected on the bottom. When I shake it the solids are removed from the bottom of the container but, because it had sat for so long, it takes a lot of effort to get the solids redistributed into the liquid.

My questions are:
1) Is shaking it enough to put the solids back into suspension and makes it as it was when it came from the factory?

or

2) Once the solids have fallen out of suspension the solution has lost its efficacy and is not worth using so there's no point to trying to mix the liquids and solids?

and
3) what is the stuff coming out of solution?
4) how important is it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: marksman41,

I’ve bought bottles that had separated as you describe while they were on the shelf at the store. I’ve always just shaken them immediately before use.

I can see where shaking a whole gallon would be tough. I think I’d divide it up into smaller bottles.

You have a bottle with “the good stuff” in it. The formula has changed over time to reduce or removed some chemicals. Just shake the shit out of it until it’s back ievenly distributed.

I recall older bottles stating "shake before use".

Shake it up and use as normal.

I guess the real question is what is the stuff that is coming out of solution and how important is it?

CLP is expensive...when you can find it. I would be straining out that jug in no time.

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
I guess the real question is what is the stuff that is coming out of solution and how important is it?

I'm going to edit my original post to include these two excellent questions. Thank you!

quote:

I think I’d divide it up into smaller bottles.

AFTER shaking it well!

I think I would find a different product!

As mentioned above, the formula changed some time in the late 90s. We used break free for our small arms, machine guns and larger guns when I was a gunners mate. IIRC most of the white gunk is actually Teflon particles. The older formula was much better at removing carbon, but that part of the formula was removed due to it being Carcinogenic . After that time the MSDS shows that it was just mostly oil.

Much like the old cans of “rifle bore cleaner”, the old formula worked well but was bad for you. Having worked with both formulas and basically drenching myself in it for decades-you’ll be fine, just don’t drink it.

If you are gonna put it smaller bottles, just shake it up real good so you get some of that glop in each smaller bottle.

You should see what a gallon of LSA looked like in 1990.

I would certainly use it after mixing.

Since it's not mixing easily, would also throw in 2-3 1/2" nuts or something like them as an agitator to aid mixing. Something like the ball bearing in old paint cans.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
IIRC most of the white gunk is actually Teflon particles.

This is what I remember as well. As the solvent dried it would leave the oil and teflon on the metal for rust and wear protection.

I came across some old CLP a few years ago when I was cleaning out some stuff. It did cut the carbon better.

Since it costs almost $100 a gallon, maybe the wife will loan you the blender.

On the other hand, maybe buy a cheap or used blender.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Since it costs almost $100 a gallon, maybe the wife will loan you the blender.

Wow, didn't realize it cost that much. It's been so long since I bought this jug that I don't remember how much I paid at the time. Probably the same, adjusted for inflation, I suppose.

Been reading a number of other conversations regarding old vs. new Breakfree. More than a few changes over the years. The bottle I've got says it has Teflon (PTFE) so I'm assuming that's what's settled out.

Now that I've found it I'll not let it sit for so long without giving it a good mixup now and then.

I would take it to a paint store and have them run it in one of the shaker machines for 15 minutes and see if that helps any!

Put some stainless steel ball bearings in the jug to help mix it up better. That is what I do with my gallon-sized CLP containers.