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Author Topic: Cleaning a silver engine.  (Read 6190 times)

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Ironhorse

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Cleaning a silver engine.
« 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!
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Farm boy

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #1 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.
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CVODON

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #2 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.
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Cvostu

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #3 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.
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Threephase

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #4 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.
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bbrown

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #5 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
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bgdv1

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2019, 05:10:16 PM »

S100
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Farm boy

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #7 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.
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08glide

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2019, 12:56:25 PM »

Also try a product called engine brite (orange & blue can) usually sold in h-d dealerships
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skorch

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #9 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:
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Ironhorse

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #10 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.
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bigchuck

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2019, 10:18:10 AM »

X3 on simple green

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

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #12 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.
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Ironhorse

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #13 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
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cyco1450

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Re: Cleaning a silver engine.
« Reply #14 on: November 27, 2019, 06:37:26 PM »

Spray Nine Marine and a soft brush.
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