Gentleman, I have a 1956 merc Montclair with a 312 Y block. It still retains the original oil bath air cleaner. What is the best way to clean the element in the top half of the cleaner? Just soak it in a tub of gas? Is there any way to remove the element? Thank You all in advance

Hmmmm...  Kerosene would be safer.  I've used naptha.  Some use mineral spirits in their parts cleaning tanks.  The commercial cleaners like Graymills' Super Agitene are available in 5 gallon buckets, but they're going for over 100 bucks a pop which is steep for occasional use by a casual hobbyist.

Others may have suggestions.  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I use Supper Clean, have for years. Spray it on, gallon ($7.00) last couple of years.

The same chemical de-greaser agent as "Super Clean" is also available as "Purple Power" and maybe other names. Use with care - it will take the oil right out of your skin too and leave your hands pretty raw. But it really works well on parts.......................

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

In addition to all of the above choices, I just bought a 5 gallon bucket of Stoddard Solvent from NAPA Auto Parts for my parts washer for $45.00. It may be overkill if you don't plan on cleaning many oily parts, but I wanted you to know it is available.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID