engine cleaners

[big d]

i been trying to find something to clean my engine with to brighten the aluminum with any suggestions ? i polished my side cases and dont want to screw them up. this is a great site and the forums are super the information passed on between everyone is priceless and very much appreciated i thank everyone for all the time and effort put into this site and all the help.

[BassCliff]

Great desert topping AND floor wax!

Hi Mr. big d,

I use Simple Green and scrub it with an old toilet brush. It works just fine.

Before:



And after:



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Roostabunny]

Hi Mr. big d,

I use Simple Green and scrub it with an old toilet brush. It works just fine.

I can't argue with your results, Cliff, but an old toilet brush? As in used? Granted, I don't eat off my engine (and I assume you don't either), but that just doesn't sit right with me. 8-[

As for me, I've used the Simple Green with good results, but normally I bring a little spray bottle of water and a can of engine degreaser to the coin-op car wash. I spritz the headers and fins with a fine mist from the spray bottle then let the bike cool another 10 minutes or so before spraying on the degreaser, letting it mellow for 5, and then rinsing with the nozzle.

Eventually I'll replace my seeping base gasket and I won't have to do this every couple of months.

Course, if you really want it to gleam, there are other guys who can provide better inspiration and advice than me and Cliff, who, thus far have been happy with grease free trouser cuffs and a clean wrenching environment.

[Roostabunny]

BTW, speaking of inspiration, here's a good thread...

[tejasmud]

I'm going to be doing this same polish exercise soon also.

I read the the link, and totally agree with the cotton/compound methods.

Steel wool on the other hand?

I have read somewhere that any steel wool that will rust is not a good thing on aluminum. I believe it had to do with the steel leaving deposits in the softer aluminum.

I have seen stainless pipe rust from using carbon steel wire brushes to clean up welds. I suppose it would be a simlar issue with soft aluminum also.

Anyway, just a thought.

E

[BassCliff]

I can't argue with your results, Cliff, but an old toilet brush? As in used? Granted, I don't eat off my engine (and I assume you don't either), but that just doesn't sit right with me. 8-[

Let me rephrase that. :-D

I picked up a toilet brush from the dollar store and have been using it to scrub my engine. It was new at one time. But it's old now.

My bike is a daily rider and will never be "showroom" or "mint". It's clean enough to be respectable.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[knotzilla]

Simple green is what I use. After spraying it on, I use a cheap 1 inch brush then hose it down. It does a great job, leaves no oily film and smells lovely, Ted

[ironsheik]

Get yourself a set of these!

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600079&subcategory=60001102&brand=&sku=7160&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Cleaners

[bonanzadave]

Dont use that Mag wheel cleaner. Its got some serious acid in it that eats aluminum. Nasty ! My buddy uses it to clean carb parts.

[Roostabunny]

Let me rephrase that. :-D

I picked up a toilet brush from the dollar store and have been using it to scrub my engine. It was new at one time. But it's old now.

My bike is a daily rider and will never be "showroom" or "mint". It's clean enough to be respectable.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

That's a relief about the brush. I'm all about saving a buck, but I'm glad you spent one.

:-D

[Roostabunny]

Get yourself a set of these!

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%3A%20Cleaners

Nice! I have one of those narrow cog cleaning brushes from when I used to wrench and race one of those motorless bikes.

I've definitely busted it out for the fins and oil pan crevices when I get that detailed.