Degreasing the engine

[cross]

I would like to clean the engine on the outside but i'm not certain as to what i should be using that wont take the paint off.
I used gas on some parts and washes up nicely but what about on this greasy mess?
Its not just dust, it is greasy

[NobleHops]

I would try Oil Eater, Awesome cleaner, or even straight Simple Green, just read and follow their instructions carefully WRT rinsing it well. Put a big sheet of cardboard under the bike before you begin, Makes a dandy containment device.

[cross]

I hope it doesnt take the paint off

[EMS]

I think there is a thread somewhere about cleaning the engine. S-100 engine brightener originally came out for black Harley engines. Should be perfectly safe for the black paint on the Prolink

[cross]

Thank you

[Rick Pope]

S-100, on a cool engine, in the shade. Soft bristle brush. An old paint brush works well. Rinse with cool water. Even takes the varnish stains off carbs.

[NobleHops]

S-100, on a cool engine, in the shade. Soft bristle brush. An old paint brush works well. Rinse with cool water. Even takes the varnish stains off carbs.

I swear that the Oil Eater is a first cousin of S100 - a powerful surfactant. It smells and feels the same to touch. A good choice.

[daves79x]

Good advice given on cleaning the engine. Then it will look kind of dull, but to fix that, spritz the entire engine down with Armor-All and let it soak overnight. Warm the bike up well, then let cool and give it a good washing with just mild detergent to clean the Armor-All off the chrome and other stuff. The engine will look like new and stay that way for quite a while.

Dave

[cross]

S-100 engine brightened is to be used on completely clean engine, to restore black color.
That's what instructions say.
I bought some simple grew and will try this weekend and will use S-100 as I already have it.
If it doesn't work, I'll buy armor all and give it a try.
Thanks guys

[Rick Pope]

Strictly speaking from experience here. I'm not a chemist, so my observations may be incorrect:

Simple Green is a very good cleaner and degreaser, but is slightly corrosive to aluminum. Don't let it soak on bare pieces. S-100 is also very good, and seems to be gentler. I use it on everything, even seats and switch gear.

S-100 Engine Bright is a different animal, It's intended to be used on clean surfaces, especially black painted engines. Works okay on black plastic too.

For those really grungy pieces, like center stands and lower frame rails, Gunk Engine degreaser works well.

I've not tried Dave's suggestion of soaking clean engines with Armor-All. Seems reasonable though. And looking at Daves handi-work, I'd say he's spot-on.

[barryadam]

Auto engine degreasers are also effective. There's a foamy one and a more liquid type. Also wd40.

Edit: dang, Rick already had the auto degreaser in his message.

[daves79x]

Spraying the black engine down with WD 40 or Armor-All is an old trick from way back. You don't even have to get all the dirt off for it to look pretty good.

dave

[cross]

It's good to know all the tricks.
If the engine wasn't painted I would of just used spray can of engine degreaser but it does contain acids which could potentially damage the paint.
I'll start little by little and see how it goes, I have almost a week before I get shims in.
There is going to be plenty time to clean up everything.
I adjusted fast idle on the carbs, rechecked acc. valve function and got mixture screws out to 2 turns.
Polishing the valve cover, etc.

[kbart1]

I've been using the POR15 product "marine clean" and it works awesome. I would do it on a cold engine though with warm water 50/50 mix using a nice parts washing brush. it cleans up everything and seems safe for all the rubber / plastic etc. after its clean I have been using a product called ACF50, it is a airframe corrosion inhibitor and makes all the finishes you put it on really "pop". they have been using it in Europe to winterize bikes for some time now. do a Google search of it, think you'll be happy.

thx
kent

[daves79x]

Yes, Marine Clean is the cat's a$$ of all cleaners. I go through 2 or 3 gallons of it a year.

Dave