Usage:
This article replaces the article with the same title in the February 9, 1998 issue.
4C-4079 Brake And Component Cleaner, which contains the chemical 1,1,1-trichloroethane is no longer available. 1,1,1-trichloroethane is no longer manufactured because it is believed to contribute to upper atmosphere ozone depletion. However, it is still legal to use the existing product in most countries, if the product is labeled properly. Unfortunately, the price of 1,1,1-trichloroethane is rapidly increasing and the supply is rapidly dwindling. It is now necessary to provide less costly alternative products that can be used instead of 4C-4079 Brake And Component Cleaner. Two new cleaners that do not contain 1,1,1-trichloroethane are available to replace 4C-4079 Brake And Component Cleaner. Those new cleaners are 138-8440 Component Cleaner and new 138-8441 Brake Cleaner.
The new 138-8440 Component Cleaner contains the chemical trichloroethylene. Trichloroethylene has very similar characteristics as those of 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
The new 138-8441 Brake Cleaner contains the chemicals acetone and heptane. BOTH ACETONE AND HEPTANE ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Acetone and/or heptane must not be used in areas where there are open flames, arching, sparks, or hot surfaces. Adequate precautions for fire and explosion prevention must be made when substituting 138-8441 Brake Cleaner for 4C-4079 Brake And Component Cleaner.
Caterpillar is providing both of these new products so the customer can select the product that is correct for their application. For any questions about these products, contact the Product Manager at Phone Number (309) 675-6713.