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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Iarn on March 02, 2015, 07:43:16 AM

Title: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: Iarn on March 02, 2015, 07:43:16 AM
I have a 2004 GS500F that has been neglected by previous owners. The engine exterior has thick layers of what looks to be grease, grime, dirt. What would be the safest way to clean this?

I was thinking just liberally spraying engine degrease over it and wiping it/spraying it down with water.

Will that harm any tubing or plastics, or are there better cleaning methods?
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: Atesz792 on March 02, 2015, 08:05:53 AM
Just go to a manual car wash.
The pressure they operate at won't hurt your seals, still removes grease (with the "soapy" water).
Stay clear of the 'O' ring chain, though!
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: bmf on March 03, 2015, 08:21:41 PM
I don't like those pressure  washers.  If you want to do it yourself just spray it with degreaser wait half an hour and rub it down with an old kitchen brush and then wash it down. As atesz  said - oil your chain afterwards.
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: rg500gamma on March 03, 2015, 08:38:01 PM
Hi all ,  +1  to  Bmf 
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: Iarn on March 03, 2015, 09:23:37 PM
Yeah, I have some engine degrease and a stainless steel bristle brush I can use to get between the heatsink fins. Thanks for the info. :D
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: rg500gamma on March 03, 2015, 09:54:27 PM
Hi Iarn ,  I would use  nylon bristle brush  or  plastic bristle brush  ( not  stainless  steel bristle brush )   any brush that does not scratch aluminum  i.e.  harbor freight salvage  sells  nylon bristle brush , I use everyday on aluminum gearbox cases in boats
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: fetor56 on March 04, 2015, 03:30:52 PM
Stiff paint brush & mineral turps.
Title: Re: Safest way to clean engine exterior?
Post by: rg500gamma on March 04, 2015, 06:54:36 PM
Hi Fector56   , yes indeed   +1