Cleaning the exterior of the engine

[coolpeople]

What's the best way to clean oil deposits, grit and dirt that has built up on the exterior of the engine? When I took the seat bucket off my 2012 GT300i, I could see oily grit built up in places. Do I use low-pressure spray at a car wash? Brake cleaner/degreaser in a spray can? What's the best way to do this without damaging any systems? Thanks.

[CROSSBOLT]

I am from the old motorcycle bunch and the way to properly clean the crud in the 40's through the 60's was GUNK degreaser. Ya just brushed it on after diluting with kerosene or diesel, then washed it off with a garden hose. No one had pressure washers in those days. I have sprayed on modern spray-can Engine Bright GUNK engine degreaser and either garden hose spray or pressure washer rinse off. CAUTION: Keep the nozzle of any pressure washer about a foot away from the target lest water find its way to ruin electric stuff. Your choice. Find out what Stig does: his scoots always look show room fresh!

Karl

[coolpeople]

Thanks crossbolt for the great tips. I'll get to work.

[pipster326]

I usually just use a mixture of mild soap and water. Then gently, and carefully spray with hose. It's a good question, I'm always looking to see how everyone else cleans theirs. I try to learn something new, everyday.

  -Rich


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[Stig / Major Tom]

Well, you're not going to like this:

I pull up a lawn chair, remove the seat bucket and use a toothbrush, rags and gojo hand cleaner when I clean my scooter.
Rinse with a moist rag, Dry & wiping as much as I can touch with rag or brush wrapped in rag.

When running it smells pretty good for a few hours afterwards!

I squirt some orange degreaser on the underside of the bike - work it around with a big soft brush and rinse with pump garden sprayer. Sometimes I use that expensive German made motorcycle cleaner/spray.

I don't know enough about scooter engines to flood things with water - but my goodness the Asians certainly have no fear of wetting things with car-wash like sprayers!

I like to keep things clean so I can more easily spot trouble if something leaks.
Stig

[AMAC1680]

Well, you're not going to like this:

I pull up a lawn chair, remove the seat bucket and use a toothbrush, rags and gojo hand cleaner when I clean my scooter.
Rinse with a moist rag, Dry & wiping as much as I can touch with rag or brush wrapped in rag.

When running it smells pretty good for a few hours afterwards!

I squirt some orange degreaser on the underside of the bike - work it around with a big soft brush and rinse with pump garden sprayer. Sometimes I use that expensive German made motorcycle cleaner/spray.

I don't know enough about scooter engines to flood things with water - but my goodness the Asians certainly have no fear of wetting things with car-wash like sprayers!

I like to keep things clean so I can more easily spot trouble if something leaks.
Stig

What he said.
His rides look good because they are always clean.

AMAC

[pipster326]

I like your idea, Stig. I'll have to try that next time.Plus, I love the smell of oranges!!! [emoji16][emoji106]

   - Rich


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