Brake Cleaner...CRAP

[hackers2r]

So I was cleaning off the generator and clutch covers this wkd with CRC Brakekleen and it seems as though this stuff is way more abrasive than other brake cleaners I've used in the past.  It seems to be softening/destroying the paint on these covers.  Does anyone know the engine paint used? And is there clear over it?  Thanks

[ducpainter]

There is no clear.

It seems to be cheapo unactivated engine enamel. No idea of a color match.

Brakekleen says right on the can to avoid painted surfaces.

[hackers2r]

So in that case, I could just sand it for smoothness and call it a day?

[ducpainter]

So in that case, I could just sand it for smoothness and call it a day?

If it hasn't lifted, and is just soft...leave it and see if it hardens back up.

If you sand it it will need more paint to look like anything.

[hackers2r]

Will do.  Yeah...it has already hardened back up.  What can I use in the future to avoid this potential disaster?  It did clean the hell out of the covers though.

[the_Journeyman]

You'd be amazed what you can clean off with plain old WD-40.

JM

[ducatiz]

I use Ivory dish soap and warm water on a cold engine plus a bit of elbow grease.

[He Man]

the sides cases are painted with something else. I can go in with almost any type of degreaser/cleaner and clean my cases.

However when it comes with my heads and my case COVERs, you are just not going to get them clean with any amount of elbow grease.

[erkishhorde]

Brakleen is awesome stuff. It'll melt a screwdriver handle. Use with caution. 

[live2ride]

question out of curiosity...

i actually use CRC electronics cleaners as my understanding is it accomplishes the same effect of removing grease without all the harmful chemicals.  anyone know if this will still eat paint?  i obviously haven't tested this b/c i dont want to damage any of the paint.

[ducpainter]

question out of curiosity...

i actually use CRC electronics cleaners as my understanding is it accomplishes the same effect of removing grease without all the harmful chemicals.  anyone know if this will still eat paint?  i obviously haven't tested this b/c i dont want to damage any of the paint.

I know techs that use contact cleaner on painted surfaces and have no trouble. It doesn't use the same solvents as brakleen.

I don't recommend it, but try it in an inconspicuous area first and see.

[needtorque]

I believe the aerosol Electronics cleaner is pretty much just alcohol in a spray can.  Should be fine.

[ducatiz]

I don't understand why people feel the need to use something exotic to clean their bike...

most of the dirt/grime is just oil and dirt.  it will dissolve just fine with common dish soap.

and there is no need to worry about it eating your paint or compromising your seals or gaskets.

just ivory dish washing soap, warm water and a soft brush.  rinse with water and you're done. 

i use a brake caliper dust cleaner for the brakes when I swap the pads, but that's only after taking them off the fork first and putting each in a gallon zip bag -- spray away.  but that's the only "cleaner" I use..

[junior varsity]

i can't get the heads clean on this project M900's motor for shit.  they are really really kickin' my ass. I've tried pretty much all sorts of cleaners from plain-jane dish soaps, to contact cleaner, to brake cleaner, to a sea-foam like aerosol penetrant. Pretty much everything just short of paint stripper and/or carb cleaner.

Word on the street is to avoid using carb cleaner on anything you want to look pretty ever again.  That said, when I first picked up this project M900, the previous owner had spray-painted a bunch of shit black. Before I decided I wanted to try to fix the thing up, I took a cloth, sprayed carb cleaner on it, and wiped to-and-fro on the engine cases at the motor mounts to inspect for cracks in the case (often from crashing).   Boy howdy did it remove all the dirt, the spray paint, and even the funny old-people smell from that part of the engine casings - i had a perfect view and attractive, clean silver engine cases peaking out in those spots.   I am not balsy enough to try it on the generator or clutch case covers, nor the heads, lest it make them look even worse than they do now (which, i must admit, would be difficult).

[Speeddog]

The older motors have much better paint as far as solvent resistance goes.
And they don't seem to stain as easily....

Not sure when the 'switchover' was, maybe '06 or so?