Cleaning Primary Case
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Cleaning Primary Case
So, the previous owner dripped some oil on the primary case and it is now stained. Yours truly got a little crazy when I was waxing the bike and got some wax on the case, which is now stained.
Any idea what I can use to get this stuff off? I was going to give engine degreaser a shot, but I don't want to stain the case any worse than it already is.
Any idea what I can use to get this stuff off? I was going to give engine degreaser a shot, but I don't want to stain the case any worse than it already is.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
From: pennsylvania
So, the previous owner dripped some oil on the primary case and it is now stained. Yours truly got a little crazy when I was waxing the bike and got some wax on the case, which is now stained.
Any idea what I can use to get this stuff off? I was going to give engine degreaser a shot, but I don't want to stain the case any worse than it already is.
Any idea what I can use to get this stuff off? I was going to give engine degreaser a shot, but I don't want to stain the case any worse than it already is.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
Your engine cases are powder coated. Basically, a baked-on plastic coating. Avoid abrasives and rubbing compounds, but a very fine rubbing compound should work as a last resort. Start with Simple green and a brush. I use an old tooth brush. I've had success getting wax off with Simple Green. Rubbing alcohol is a mild solvent and is safe for powder coat. Somebody is going to say get a Magic Eraser. You may as well get a piece of 1800 grit sandpaper, 'cause that's what a Magic Eraser is, sandpaper.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
try a soft bristle brush as scuba suggested. I find even if those magic erasers don't scratch off the finish on powder coat they just fall apart and leave pieces stuck all over the powder coat.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
This would be for the primary cover (the aluminum - I think) thingy. I have been reluctant to use Mothers, since it warns against annodized aluminum. Not sure what is or is not annodized on my 48. The aluminum head covers. Can I polish those?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
From: pennsylvania
ive been using it on my sporty for several years with no problems at all . which is why i recommended it, from personal experience.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
A lot of Harley's aluminum parts are clear coated. I don't know of any that are annodized. Depending on the model, rocker boxes are typically polished and cleared, or chromed. Also depending on the model, engine cases may be polished aluminum or powdered in black or grey. The OP has a medium-grey colored powder coating on his Nightster.
If the aluminum part in question is clear coated, the coating must be removed before any real polishing. If you try Mother's and it doesn't turn black in a few strokes, it's clear coated.
An example of non-cleared, aluminum levers. One polished, one not (this is done with a buffing wheel, not with Mother's and a rag):
Another work in progress:
If the aluminum part in question is clear coated, the coating must be removed before any real polishing. If you try Mother's and it doesn't turn black in a few strokes, it's clear coated.
An example of non-cleared, aluminum levers. One polished, one not (this is done with a buffing wheel, not with Mother's and a rag):
Another work in progress:
Last edited by HarleyScuba; Jul 8, 2013 at 09:46 PM. Reason: nunya
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Ok. I might give Mother's a try on the rocker box covers on my 48. The aluminum looks kinda dull. I saw the pics of the covers from wachuko's bike and I do not remember mine ever looking that bright.
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