[SEL] It works? Ban it!

[Jack Watson]

Philosophical thoughts (still relative to Stationary engines) follow;

After a recent discussion between like minded engine folk in my workshop 
over a lubricationary sherbet or two, touching among other topics upon 
our personal favourite solvents for cleaning engines and parts, I 
remarked that we used to use Phenyl for cleaning our motor bikes, and 
how effective it was in dissolving grease and muck without damaging 
paintwork etc. and it brought the chrome and alloy parts up beautifully.

Our workshop cynic remarked, "If it worked that well, it will have been 
banned by now".

(I do expect - hope - that if it has been banned, it would have been for 
a good reason, but I am no chemist.)

BUT . . .

Isn't it remarkable how many of the "old time" products have had to be
replaced with others very much less effective, since it was found that
the old products had most undesirable side-effects?

Not only phenyl; paint has never been the same since they took the lead
out. Likewise petrol. They are still struggling to find an effective
substitute. Same thing with taking the sulphur out of diesel fuel. Same
thing with "trico" (tricoethylene) and other solvents, cleaning agents 
and paint-strippers. Same thing with penetrating fluids since they 
became "acid free".

Again, with soldering fluxes. Same thing with brake and clutch linings,
now asbestos-free. Case-hardening powder used to contain potassium 
cyanide - nasty stuff, and all quite rightly condemned, but they all 
worked very well.

Please, don't get me wrong - I'd never want anyone, especially children,
exposed to lead or asbestos or any carcinogenic nasties, and I applaud
all and any efforts to safeguard health issues. I am quite happy to work
around the deficiencies of the substitutes, but the thought remains that
they got it right the first time as far as effectiveness is concerned
given that they got it wrong as far as the health issues are concerned.

My point is that the much safer replacement products are largely 
ineffective.

JW²