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CVO Technical => Cleaning/Detailing => Topic started by: Ironhorse on June 02, 2019, 02:56:37 PM

Title: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Ironhorse on June 02, 2019, 02:56:37 PM
What is the best way to clean oil and grease off a silver engine?

I've tried using a tooth brush with carb cleaner, bike wash, diluted Simple Green, and WD40. I spray the area, brush it, then wipe with a clean rag. However some of the oil and grease still remains.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Farm boy on June 02, 2019, 03:34:15 PM
I have used crc brake clean (red can) on my '03 serk and a toothbrush with no damage. Use sparingly.
I put rags below what I am cleaning to catch any excess as a precaution.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: CVODON on June 02, 2019, 04:43:12 PM
If it is surface dirt & grease you should be able to get it off with Simple Green (Diluted) or most times with warm water and Dawn Grease Cutting Formula. If it is stains that have been there awhile, then you may be screwed. Brake cleaner is scary, it is pretty hard on paint, whether it is Sprayed or Powdercoat and will allow staining down the road in the same area where you used it as the paint is compromised.
I had a Buell with staining on the engine (from a previous owner). I cleaned it to a point where it was grease free, but still brown stained. I then used HD engine color in a Rattle can and dusted it with Multiple coats, very dry until the stain was hidden, then after flash time untapped and re-taped to a break point where a paint edge could not be seen and sprayed on one regular spray can coat over that area. Road bike a couple years after that and it still looked like new when I sold it.
You might try 3M wax and grease remover, or similar, if you don't want to go the paint route. Pretty good product. Pricey.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Cvostu on June 02, 2019, 06:07:57 PM
Be real careful.  Many years ago I took off the paint on my silver 04. Just a warning.  Stuart.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Threephase on June 03, 2019, 04:19:45 PM
I have great luck with spray and wash laundry product. Been using it on my bikes for years after an oil change. Washes right off. Takes tar and road oil off the paint on cars good too. Washes right off. I tried the K&N filter cleaner once. It worked great but gets pricey fast.

S100 is good stuff too. Most Harley dealers around here in DFW carry it.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: bbrown on June 03, 2019, 04:36:58 PM
I have great luck with spray and wash laundry product. Been using it on my bikes for years after an oil change. Washes right off. Takes tar and road oil off the paint on cars good too. Washes right off. I tried the K&N filter cleaner once. It worked great but gets pricey fast.

S100 is good stuff too. Most Harley dealers around here in DFW carry it.

i agree with Threephase...S100 works great
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: bgdv1 on June 03, 2019, 05:10:16 PM
S100
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Farm boy on June 08, 2019, 10:58:53 PM
Thanks for the brake clean info. I will stop using it. Was during a top end rebuild.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: 08glide on August 06, 2019, 12:56:25 PM
Also try a product called engine brite (orange & blue can) usually sold in h-d dealerships
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: skorch on August 09, 2019, 10:03:57 AM
Simple green works great, I used S100 and it permanently stained primary...a little to harsh for me. :soapbox:
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Ironhorse on August 09, 2019, 10:11:52 AM
Simple green works great, I used S100 and it permanently stained primary...a little to harsh for me. :soapbox:

I’ve used Simple Green in a diluted form.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: bigchuck on August 09, 2019, 10:18:10 AM
X3 on simple green

Off topic: Did the gauge ring I sent you work for you?
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Priz on August 09, 2019, 11:32:36 AM
 I have used oil eater and a stiff bristle brush on heavy cooked on stains with good results. Let it soak for about 30 seconds before brushing, then rinse well. Don't let it sit and soak on the paint for too long. Work on small areas at a time.  Then finish the job with S100.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: Ironhorse on August 18, 2019, 02:32:19 PM
X3 on simple green

Off topic: Did the gauge ring I sent you work for you?

Yes! Sorry for the late picture.

Mark
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: cyco1450 on November 27, 2019, 06:37:26 PM
Spray Nine Marine and a soft brush.
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: vtwinjim on November 28, 2019, 10:33:03 AM
It can be used safely on bare aluminum if used properly.
Simple Green is not allowed for cleaning bare aluminum at our manufacturing facility.
It can harm aluminum if left on too long. Simple Green recommends no longer than 10 minutes on aluminum.
See their recommendations for its use on aluminum at their site.

https://simplegreen.com/faqs/
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: ghost183 on December 13, 2019, 09:56:39 PM
i just saw this, but you guys are forgetting something thats already in MOST kitchens that cuts grease and washes it away, squeeky clean


concentrated dawn and parmolive


ive been using it for YEARS!! no sh*t..


1 to 1 mix with same size bottle and then spray application.. i leave it over night, doesnt matter if it dries and cakes up, its soap.. washes away..


caked on, built in, cooked on, hard grease might need some help breaking free..


if youre patient,, theres nothing safer!!!
Title: Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
Post by: nitruc on December 23, 2019, 10:06:20 PM
I have used CLR kitchen and bathroom cleaner and received great results ...... but you need to be careful with it ... do small sections at a time with some brushes and be sure to rinse thoroughly.