Originally Posted by Charlee

Did you try a lye bath Billy? Get a pound of pure lye (you can buy it online at soap making supply sites) and mix it in COLD water in a big tub. Put the water in first, then slowly add the lye to avoid splashing. Put your parts and pieces in there and let em soak. As long as you need to....something in the lye keeps the metal from rusting...I use a lye bath often for my cast iron cookware that I buy gunked up, clean and reseason.... works like a charm and I PROMISE it won't hurt the metal. Just make sure you wear goggles to protect your eyes from splashes, and rubber gloves....lye is wicked mean stuff to be sure!!