clean engines

[bdub]

How come everybody has a clean motor that post on here? My engine is filthy and without taking it out how do I clean it up? I've got some gunk engine cleaner (heavy duty) but am afraid to use it. Will it eat up the coating on the motor?

[hillbillypolack]

I'm old school.  A clean engine means you 1) care about the bike, and 2) makes any issue easier to spot since a weeping seal or premature wear is easier to notice.

I wouldn't use solvent-based cleaners unless you want to strip off the paint.  I'd opt for Simple Green or S-100 with a thorough rinsing afterward (yes, our bikes are designed to get wet despite their reputation).  When you're drying the bike, note any leaking seal areas.  Squirt WD-40 into any pivot areas to chase out water.  tension chain, check oil level and tire pressures.  Park lovingly in garage or living room until next ride.

[bdub]

I gonna give that a try when (if) it gets above freezing. I found out simple green doesnot work well after it freezes.  Knock on wood my monster is the only thing I have that doesn't leak

[muskrat]

Non chlorinated break cleaner from auto zone. Then soap and water and finish with rubbing alcohol and micro fiber.  She sparkles. 

[Grappa]

The simple green is no bueno for aluminum, I would stay away from it.

[Travman]

The pictures you see don't show every bit of grease and grime. 

[ab]

sparkly clean is out of question for me.  it's a work bike and flogged hard as it should be.

i try to clean it but some of the valve cover discoloration is impossible to get off.  I know I am not riding her if she does not leak.  I have accepted that fact.  Both the dm620 and Triumph S3 leak leak leak no matter what.

[stopintime]

Bad engine paint, heat and dirt spray  On the air cooled engines, I think it's part of the game.

[hillbillypolack]

The simple green is no bueno for aluminum, I would stay away from it.

Never had any issue with it on the five bikes I have.  The trick is to rinse absolutely completely, feeling for any slickness with your hands.

S-100 works just as good at 4x the price though.  Both basically cut through light filmy grease.  YMMV.

[Vishwacorp]

Stopintime, my engine makes yours look like it's off a show bike. I'll try to get a picture next time.

I ride everyday in NYC so it gets very dirty and it's hard to clean it every now and then since I don't have my own garage or space to clean it in. That, plus, the engine was already dirty enough from the last owner that I can't do much about it anymore

I just deal with it by not caring too much and riding it 

[NorDog]

The pictures you see don't show every bit of grease and grime. 

That's what Photoshop is for.   

[Speedbag]

S100, a little scrubbing, and plenty of rinse water.

[muskrat]

sparkly clean is out of question for me.  it's a work bike and flogged hard as it should

It takes me 5 min after every ride with proper maintenance 

[brimo]

Diesel fuel to remove oil and grease, then plain old soap and water to finish.

[red baron]

Diesel fuel to remove oil and grease, then plain old soap and water to finish.

the environment will thank you later.