Magic potions

[axy]

I am opening a topic dedicated to various liquids, "goos", tools, additives and chemicals that can help an average DIY mechanic achieve his goals.
I am not sure if I have already opened such a topic in the past. If possible I would like to ask skadamo to make it a sticky in this subforum.
The reason why I am opening it is that sometimes such things are indispensable when repairing things. I would like that we discuss them in a single topic regardless of the scooter type.

Also, many of those have a common household name for decades in the USA, while they are not marketed and sold in Europe.

At this moment, here are a few from my side:

1. The ubiquitous WD40 - not only to lube things but also to degrease metal
2. Duck (Duct) tape
3. Glycerol - good for rubber parts to prevent them from becoming brittle
4. Bumper renewal black liquid, any type - good for renewal of easy-fading Kymco plastic parts
5. Teflon grease - great for moving parts like levers, center and side stand
6. Car polish, any type for old color coatings
7. Large displacement syringe for ear flushing + 40 cms of small diameter tube - great for refilling the final gear on scoots
8.  Small syringe - good to refill brake oil containers
9. Shoe mitt + painter's tape: good for isolation of painted parts of the scoot from the black ones during application of bumper renewal

Some tools:

1. 50 cm wrench to unlock vario nuts
2. Vario-flywheel holder
3. Brake caliper tool used to spread the pistons apart when installing new pads
4. Universal electric meter
5. Point and test electrical tester

Does anybody know of a de-rusting liquid that might remove spots of rust on suspension springs? I heard it does exist.

My second question is how to repair the connecting points of various plastic parts that get torn off very easily? I am not asking about click-clack parts but those where tiny screws go in. Is it possible to buy somewhere custom screws and mounting points that get welded or glued somehow to plastic parts? Or to make the question even more simple: if a mechanic gets a plastic piece with all mounting points torn off but otherwise in good shape, how will he mount it on the bike?

[streido]

For the damaged screw fixings you could probably use one of those 2 part epoxy glues to fill up the damaged hole then redrill it smaller than the screw. Should hold ok if you use plenty of glue on both sides and let it set properly. You could even mount a nut on the inside with a good blob of the glue and then use a small bolt instead of the screw. You might need to retap out the nut tho if any glue gets into the threads.

[Vivo]

Does anybody know of a de-rusting liquid that might remove spots of rust on suspension springs? I heard it does exist.


You can use a rust converter or rust remover but you need to paint the surface afterwards.


1. Vise grip - 1001 uses
2. Ignition sealer - spray on your ignition system to make it water resistant.
3. Tire repair kit  -  very good DIY kit in fixing flats.

[juice]

naval jelly for rust removal .

[MotoRandy123]

I just found this online worth a try on those rusty shocks;

"To remove rust stains on painted surfaces without scratching(and other surfaces too)
use murphy's oil soap, that stuff for wood somehow removes the rust quick without
scrubbing or scratching an old timer told me to use it and I didn't believe him until I
tried it!!"

[MassScoot]

I live right on the water (Magnolia, MA.) & rust is a major problem! I spray my sccoter with either Boeshield here:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_16987_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView

or CorrosionX here:

http://www.amazon.com/CorrosionX-Lubricant-Penetrant-aerosol-90102/dp/B0009E1QWI/ref=pd_sim_auto_3

Both work well & aren't not cheap. I find Boeshield (more money) last a little longer. I spray my GTI300 3-4  times a year, make sure you get the exhaust! This is a MUST if you live near the ocean.

[MotoRandy123]

Use Oil of Wintergreen to free up a rusted or corroded nut or bolt
after the usual stuff like penetrating oil does not work.

Then there is the old indian trick of heating the bolt up then drip wax on it.
After letting it cool it will release easily...

[MotoRandy123]

To clean jets in carbs;

hoppes #9 is the approved solvent for bendix aircraft fuel injectors, the stuff is amazing, bendix says 20min for ac application, but I do 18 to 24 hrs on brass motorcycle jets. it will open it up, and you wont believe your eyes

[axy]

I just found this online worth a try on those rusty shocks;

"To remove rust stains on painted surfaces without scratching(and other surfaces too)
use murphy's oil soap, that stuff for wood somehow removes the rust quick without
scrubbing or scratching an old timer told me to use it and I didn't believe him until I
tried it!!"

This is a good stuff and cheap too, I will order it from ebay. However, I doubt it would work on rusting surfaces. It seems to work great when removing rust off other surfaces (polished wood, tiles etc.)

Keep up the posts on this topic going...

[fshfindr]

For rust, if WD40 won't do it, I use Naval Jelly.

Richard L.

[MotoRandy123]

I tried "Barkeepers Friend" for rust. It sort of works but requires a long soak. It has
oxalic acid which eats the rust away,

[MotoRandy123]

For mild paint removal "Dawn Power Dissolver". It works like aircraft paint stripper but
contains no acid. This legshield had 4 layers of paint, I sprayed it and covered it with
plastic overnight and the paint was softened. Took 3 tries to get it to this condition;

[MassScoot]

For rust, if WD40 won't do it, I use Naval Jelly.

Richard L.

I have used Naval Jelly for years...you can't leave it on there too long with Stainless Steel! It does work! The trick is too make sure it doesn't take hold 1st. Hence...Using Boeshield or CorrosionX after that. Living on the ocean up here in New England destroys metal....I use Boeshield & it's truly a "magic" product! 

[tjg358]

ATF ( automatid trans fluid ) works on rusted bolts too

[CROSSBOLT]

Don't forget "Anti-seize" for spark plug threads and anywhere steel threads into aluminum.

Dielectric grease for all electrical connectors.

Karl