Cleaning black engine case surrounded by chrome
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 831
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From: Kentucky
Cleaning black engine case surrounded by chrome
Im not a clean freak but my 2002 dyna wide glide needs a good cleaning on the engine. I generally keep all the chrome looking new using flitz polish and keep my paint shiny. But the black part of my engine looks horrible! Its faded looking and grimy as hell. Even the black part of the cooling fins look terrible. My bike gets dirty because i ride it...even do some semi adventure iding. I go down old roads in amish country that you can barely ride more than 20mph and even cross a small creek on the bike. But i wipe my bike down efery few rides as i enjoy cleaning and rubbing on it but ive neglected the black engine parts.
So the WG has lots of chrime onnthe engine and all the black parts are hell to get to. Ive read about pig spit and other products you spray on and wash off but how do you do that withouting effecting the chrome parts? Is it safe to spray that stuff on the chrome along with the black parts of engine?
Another option..what does a good detail job on a bike generally cost? Probably a better option because my back cant handle stooped over with a toothbrush trying to clean every nook and cranny. Im not a ocd clean freak, its just time for a good cleaning
So the WG has lots of chrime onnthe engine and all the black parts are hell to get to. Ive read about pig spit and other products you spray on and wash off but how do you do that withouting effecting the chrome parts? Is it safe to spray that stuff on the chrome along with the black parts of engine?
Another option..what does a good detail job on a bike generally cost? Probably a better option because my back cant handle stooped over with a toothbrush trying to clean every nook and cranny. Im not a ocd clean freak, its just time for a good cleaning
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
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From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Fastest to get at any HD shop is S100 engine cleaner and works great but I only get one cleaning out of a can and at about $11.00 kind of pricey. There is some other stuff I have to find, also a bit pricey but lasts a long time and works just as well.
Here ya go. A good friend of mine in Florida sells this stuff. Spray it on, let the engine warm up and watch the dirt smoke away. Awesome product. Don't know how Jim found out it works on motors as it is a tire and trim cleaner but it works!!!
Here ya go. A good friend of mine in Florida sells this stuff. Spray it on, let the engine warm up and watch the dirt smoke away. Awesome product. Don't know how Jim found out it works on motors as it is a tire and trim cleaner but it works!!!
Last edited by mikelikesbikes; Apr 27, 2015 at 05:32 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
Nice lookin' WG...from when a WG really LOOKED like a WG.
I usta use black shoe polish on my '90 FXSTC back in the day--just dab a little on a rag & gently blot the affected area. Try it on a hidden part first.
I usta use black shoe polish on my '90 FXSTC back in the day--just dab a little on a rag & gently blot the affected area. Try it on a hidden part first.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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I honestly use a pressure washer.... I know I'm not supposed to but after 5 years of weekly blasting my bike is just fine. Sometimes I add a little simple green to speed it up and use a sponge soaked in the stuff for the tough spots.
I can't stand getting down there with a toothbrush cleaning for hours on end just to muck it up on the very next ride. I'd rather ride my bike than clean it to be honest.
I can't stand getting down there with a toothbrush cleaning for hours on end just to muck it up on the very next ride. I'd rather ride my bike than clean it to be honest.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
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One more vote for S100. It does have its precautions listed. The indie shop near us carries it, so it's cheaper than the dealership.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 831
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From: Kentucky
Thanks dickey. I've wanted a wide glide since 1999 when I was 16. Took me until I was 30 to afford a 2002 model lol. I specifically seeked out a old style WG with a carb as it's a different animal compared to new bikes...especially new dynas. I probably wouldn't own a dyna if I had to buy a new one. Feel small and might as well forget 2 up. The old wide glide runs the streets well and rides 2 up like a champ. With the mustang regal touring seat, screen, bags, it feels like a heritage softail that actually has some ground clearance to go around curves
Anyhow good input fellas. I tried some mothers back to black I had in the barn with the supplied brush. It seems to work well but progress is SLOW. It would take me hours to hit every spot needed and some I may not even be able to get to. I'll have to look more into this pig spit and s100 product
Anyhow good input fellas. I tried some mothers back to black I had in the barn with the supplied brush. It seems to work well but progress is SLOW. It would take me hours to hit every spot needed and some I may not even be able to get to. I'll have to look more into this pig spit and s100 product