Cleaning Bikes (Again)

I sort of remember on the last thread about cleaning bikes using WD40 as
a cleaner? Is that correct? If so, do you just spray it on and then
scrub with a stiff brush? How do you wash it off? Seems it would put a
coat of oil that would be difficult to remove.

Sorry about all the questions but a friend shamed me about the condition
of my bike and have to now start spending more time cleaning the beast.

TIA

Jack

 

For the chain. I use simple green on the rest with a soft brush for the
wheels and farme.

--
muddy

Testing the limits of gravity since 1947.

icq - 219328929

 

I use WD40 as a tar spot remover on the painted aluminum engine casings of
my BMW R1100RS. I wipe it off afterwards with a clean cloth. WD40 is
mostly just kerosene, it doesn't have any real oil in it. Any residue it
does leave seems to wipe off easily enough, and keeps dirt from sticking
quite as firmly.

 

Keroscene. Eats through most gunk, causes no harm to chains (o-rings),
or rubber or plastic. Gets the nastry crap off the tire rims.

WD-40 is mostly spray keroscene (ok, some extra chemistry, but...).
But a gallon of keroscene is far far far cheaper. i dump some in
a tupperware thing and apply with a rag and keep the rag in another
tupperware thing once it's aired a bit).

(storage and disposal should be done responsibly, blah blah blah,
don't dump it into sewers -> bay).

And it makes you smell all manly.

 

No, wd-40 does wonders on all kinds of parts. It'll take sticker goo off
plastic, cleans up chain goo off the rubber swingarm sliders, road grime
off engine parts etc. Just wipe it off with a rag, or wash off with a good
vehicle wash suds stuff. Old toothbrushes are a great tool, too.

Another thing that works great on plastic surfaces is Plexus. Used to be
hard to find, but now home improvement stores are selling it. Bodywork,
helmets etc. Not really a wax, but it shines the plastic and leaves some
kind of grime repelling film.

 

"Protectall" is the $%#&! I have an excellent way of keeping my bike
clean--too lame to ride it much, under a cover in the corner of the garage.

 

Yeah, I use that on everything.

 

I used to use WD-40 on my boat motor when I was out of diesel. It
definately helped prevent saltwater corrosion by leaving a protective
film of light oil, and that was a 1940 Graymarine flat six. It was in
beautiful condition when I sold the boat.

barbz