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[tennisman]

What is the safest and most effective way to clean the gunk and packed in junk in the oil cooler?  Mine get road dirt/bugs/road grime in the fins and appears packed in tight.  I fear using a pressure washer would damage the fins, hoses, etc.

[brhulen]

Have you tried a soft bristle brush and hot water?  That ought to get most everything off without scratching anything.

[gg]

I removed the chrome cover from my 05 SEEG and disconnected the cooler from the frame and then I heavily sprayed on some sort of green liquid cleaner that is bio-degradable on the front and back sides. I then let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then went over the fins with a tooth brush and then used compressed air from the back side to blow out any remaining gunk and liquid out. Worked pretty well and did not effect the paint on the cooler fins.

[tennisman]

I hoped to clean it in place - but may be forced to remove it.  I'll try the brush and hot, soapy water approach and see what happens.  I'm bound to be loosing cooling effectiveness - not a good thing going into the warmer season.
T

[Highjagger]

Don`t think about washing , think about riding .... and doooooo it .

[Kevinski]

I use products like Silkolene Brake Cleaner, gets all the gunk out and drys without needing to hose it off

[tennisman]

Yeah, I've used brake cleaner and carb cleaner but the packed in dirt doesn't budge.  A toothbrush seems just to get the first 1/8-3/16 in.  Might be using a toothpick for awhile.

[103_RK]

I remove the chrome cover once a season and get at from behind with fairly high pressure water (from hose nozzle).  I took it off this winter and cleaned it really good in the sink, I also used an air hose to blow out some of the crap.  I still didn't get everything.  If you replace the factory clamps with ones you can tighten, it will help some of the seepage that collects dirt.  Also if you are real careful not to leak oil when removing the oil filter, this will help as well.

[tennisman]

Yeah, changing the oil filter is prone to dump oil onto the cooler.  I try to be careful and use a cutout of a plastic quart milk jug to make a trough and I slide it under the old filter before loosening. Last time though I managed to spill some oil and it got on the cooler fins.  I blasted it off with brake cleaner and thought I got it all, maybe not.