Topic: What's the best way to clean the silver engine? (Read 8553 times)

Ironhorse · « **on:** February 04, 2015, 10:40:53 PM »

Mine has a few areas on the heads where a misty oil has collected and run between the fins. The source appears to be the area where the breather bolts screw into the heads.

Is there a recommended method to clean?

Thanks

Mark

DICKW · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2015, 12:34:17 AM »

Paint brush and Simple Green

Jock · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:38:54 AM »

Quote from: DICKW on February 05, 2015, 12:34:17 AM

Paint brush and Simple Green

DICKW is the Founder and CIG, Chief Inspector General, of the Annual DICKW Clean Bike Award hosted at the Maggie Valley Gathering each year.

9 1/2 Beers · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2015, 07:26:01 AM »

Quote from: Jock on February 05, 2015, 06:38:54 AM

DICKW is the Founder and CIG, Chief Inspector General, of the Annual DICKW Clean Bike Award hosted at the Maggie Valley Gathering each year.

Dickw

Cleanest Ziggy I have ever seen.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2015, 07:58:10 AM »

Do I use 100% strength simple green, or dilute it?

Thanks for the tip!

Chains · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2015, 12:53:20 PM »

Believe it or not Mark I use Scrubbing Bubbles, not only cleans the motor and chrome but leaves a streak free shine. I have over 71,000 miles on my motor and it looks showroom.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2015, 02:07:35 PM »

Quote from: Chains on February 05, 2015, 12:53:20 PM

Believe it or not Mark I use Scrubbing Bubbles, not only cleans the motor and chrome but leaves a streak free shine. I have over 71,000 miles on my motor and it looks showroom.

The bathroom cleaner,.....might be worth a try!

Ironhorse · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2015, 07:11:28 PM »

Yup, that did the trick.

Thanks!

Mark

M Bon · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2015, 08:18:57 PM »

How long did you let it sit? Did you need to scrub at all?

Ironhorse · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2015, 08:40:13 PM »

I just just sprayed on Scrubbin' Bubbles, used a paint brush to loosen up the grease, oil, dirt, and grime, and then washed it off with a hose on high. The engine was warm. I could have let is sit longer I suppose.

Chains · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2015, 10:10:51 PM »

Glad it did the trick.

On the plus side it also kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria so it may protect your bike from measles.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2015, 10:35:09 PM »

Quote from: Chains on February 05, 2015, 10:10:51 PM

On the plus side it also kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria so it may protect your bike from measles.

And I need that as I live 45mins from Disneyland. Besides, I had it under the sink too.

DICKW · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2015, 11:22:19 PM »

Quote from: Chains on February 05, 2015, 12:53:20 PM

I use Scrubbing Bubbles, not only cleans the motor and chrome but leaves a streak free shine.

I am going to remember this one, I use a 50/50 Simple Green/Water mix on everything but the tins, and if I want to strip the wax I'll go ahead use it on everything.

I may give this Scrubbing Bubbles a shot next time.........good tip!

Chains · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2015, 08:22:51 PM »

Dick I like it because it leaves everything streak free. No going back having to polish chrome. Have to admit first time I tried it I looked around to make sure no one was watching. Didn't want the neighbor to call the Looney bin.

JCZ · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2015, 08:38:29 PM »

The original, blue, Dawn Dishsoap is also good for this and everything else on your bike Mark. However, like the simple green, it will strip your wax off the paint.

It has an immulsifier in it (the only dishsoap that does) so it also works well on oil spots on your driveway or to clean and degrease your car or truck motor. I've used it a lot but I don't think I've even used it on a hot motor.

Rooster · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2015, 10:27:04 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on February 13, 2015, 08:38:29 PM

The original, blue, Dawn Dishsoap is also good for this and everything else on your bike Mark. However, like the simple green, it will strip your wax off the paint.

It has an immulsifier in it (the only dishsoap that does) so it also works well on oil spots on your driveway or to clean and degrease your car or truck motor. I've used it a lot but I don't think I've even used it on a hot motor.

Purple Slice works on a hot motor. I watched the guy warm up his motor and melt plastic and micro fibre cloth right on the pipes and clean right off with Purple Slice. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

Phantom309 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2015, 01:19:25 AM »

Would Scrubbing Bubbles be to harsh for a black engine? A buddy of mine told me he talked some old time biker that swears by Whisk laundry detergent in a spray bottle. I usually give mine the old wipe down with wet microfiber towels, but my engine is in need of a good cleaning soon. I would think whatever you use it's always best to clean it cold, not hot.

Phantom309 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:26:51 AM »

C'mon guys, still no reply about Scrubbing Bubbles on a black engine?? I have a can ready to go and my bike is filthy, but afraid to take the leap just yet. I did some digging and there are some guys I found on a BMW forum (with before/after pics) using it for engine cleaning and love it, not sure if that HD black is as tough as BMW black however.

adkg12 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2015, 08:19:25 AM »

I have found the best thing for me on chrome for removing bugs and what not, is Windex...Spray it on .. let it sit..spray again...and then wipe off. But thats just me. Never thought of using scrubbing bubbles...!
Glen

gadgetz · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2015, 08:59:36 PM »

Quote from: Chains on February 13, 2015, 08:22:51 PM

Dick I like it because it leaves everything streak free. No going back having to polish chrome. Have to admit first time I tried it I looked around to make sure no one was watching. Didn't want the neighbor to call the Looney bin.

There seems to be several versions of Scrubbing Bubbles; which one are you using Chains?

CVODON · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2015, 09:14:29 PM »

Be sure an use the original Scrubbin Bubbles, not the one with chlorine.

Chains · « **Reply #21 on:** August 05, 2015, 09:58:53 PM »

Here's the one I have always used. By the way I used it on my 1996 ultra with the black motor too.

gadgetz · « **Reply #22 on:** August 05, 2015, 10:06:54 PM »

Quote from: Chains on August 05, 2015, 09:58:53 PM

Here's the one I have always used. By the way I used it on my 1996 ultra with the black motor too.

FINALLY !

Been waiting on a pic, thanks Chains!

Author Topic: What's the best way to clean the silver engine? (Read 8553 times)