how to clean the engine?

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Jul 20, 2011 | 04:39 PM

#11

dirtracin23

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,979

Likes: 4

From: Central IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by spider14043

Seriously?

Seriously.

What do you use? A pipe cleaner soaked in Dawn dishsoap?

Jul 20, 2011 | 08:02 PM

#12

EastSideBikerTrash

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 597

Likes: 1

From: Texas

On my silver engine I used brake cleaner to get the stubborn stains and grime. Works real good between the fins. I also follow with soap and water. Never had any issues and folks asked all the time how I kept it so clean.

Jul 20, 2011 | 10:33 PM

#13

Potato_Potato

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 2,600

Likes: 7

From: Minnesota

I sometimes use Simple Green around and under the oil filter and undercarriage but I am careful to rinse well. I would not just spray it all over the engine as there are too many nooks and crannies to get it out of.

The military banned its use on aircraft after it was shown to cause embrittlement of metals. There is a version that is safe for use on metals but it is not what is commonly sold at Home Depot, etc.

My latest and greatest all around cleaner is Ballistol Used full strength on black engine paint and fairing it cleans and leaves it looking new. I put a few ounces in a bucket of car wash soap too.

I first started using it to clean & lube guns. It is amazing stuff with an amazing 90 year history. It is completley safe to use on everything except the rotors and brake pads.

Jul 20, 2011 | 11:10 PM

#14

humboldtsgt

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 223

Likes: 0

From: Palo Cedro, California

Haven't had to wash mine yet but when I do I am using shine brite for the final touch, friend uses this and the wrinkle finish looks like new.

Spray on and walk away!

Last edited by humboldtsgt; Jul 20, 2011 at 11:13 PM.

Jul 21, 2011 | 12:12 AM

#15

luisan

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 2,044

Likes: 145

From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffkenny

I don't clean mine, I make some other person (candy ***) that I pass who was riding a Honda do the cleaning. LOL

Funny?

Jul 21, 2011 | 12:34 AM

#16

103 sedona orange

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 9,850

Likes: 220

From: Sacramento, CA.

S100 products work great. You can use there black engine renewer on your silver engine. I did on my 07 FLHT STD,

Jul 21, 2011 | 05:51 AM

#17

Max96

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 449

Likes: 22

From: In a van, down by the river

I always use "car wash" soap to wash the bike, stuff doesnt remove wax, etc. Worked fine on the silver powder coat up until now. Recently had some dirt and stains that didn't come off with just soap & water. Per my buddys recommendation last year, I bought some S100 total cycle cleaner. Finally used it two weeks ago, stuff is fantastic! Get your hands on S100 products, stuff works awesome.

Jul 21, 2011 | 06:19 AM

#18

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

I spray it down with Simple Green a few minutes before I get ready to hand wash the scoot. Believe it or not, I actually wash the bottom side with an old toothbrush about every 3rd or 4th wash job.