Cleaning the engine...what to use??

[AK400]

I want to clean my 400ex engine to make it look like new, or close to that look, with out refinishing it. I've tryed alot of products before but nothing seems to work very good. Anyone know of something that would really clean it up???

[XXXRACER165]

Have you tried Naptha?

[trx400EXtreme]

Eagle One mag etching cleaner. spray it on any stained aluminum and it REALLY brightens it up alot.

[trx400EXtreme]

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p133/trx400extreme/P8200001_edited.jpgHeres what it did to all my aluminum.

[AK400]

I will def. try that Mag stuff looks like it works pretty well. I have never heard of Naptha before though.....

[AK400]

this is what it looks like now<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w286/andrew_KK/400ex013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[Moded86R]

Naptha is a type of thinner.For paint


I use oven cleaners on my motors if there real dirty.Works pretty well to.Not to shine it up.Just clean it.

[trx400EXtreme]

heres a before and after shot of mine.(eagle one etching cleaner)before .http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p133/trx400extreme/P8150002.jpg

[trx400EXtreme]

after .http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p133/trx400extreme/Picture060.jpg

[Glenyzracer25]

Etching cleaner eats into the alumunim on the motor. it will leave white spot on anything that does not have a good finish. you can spray it right off but dont let it sit more than a few seconds

[Old Dirtbiker]

If you try naptha, use extreme caution as it is EXPLOSIVE. Do not put it on a hot engine and do not smoke near it.

It burns clear so it can be burning on your engine or hands or smoking your your quad and you can't see it thus you can walk right into it.

I prefer the spray alum. cleaners myself. Spray on a cool engine and use a long bristle brush to scour what you sprayed then rinse/flood with clean water to get it off.

Before riding, I like to spray a mist of Pam cooking oil on my engine. It helps in the next cleaning since it won't evaporate like WD-40

[trx400EXtreme]

Originally posted by Glenyzracer25
Etching cleaner eats into the alumunim on the motor. it will leave white spot on anything that does not have a good finish. you can spray it right off but dont let it sit more than a few seconds yea on the bottle it says let sit for no more than 15 seconds. i just be VERY carful when i do it, and rinse it of with low pressure water so it doesnt splatter, then after its mostley gone, hit it with higher pressure water.

[SRH]

wd -40

[trx400EXtreme]

Originally posted by SRH
wd -40 that works?:ermm:

[AK400]

i dont really think wd-40 works.... maybe to keep the dirt loose and easyer to clean after a ride.

[michaelj]

use starting fluid than immediately wipe with cloth-awesome
gum cutter works well to but hard to find

[Ry007]

I always use WD40 after every wash. My motor stays spotless! Keeping your quad clean is the most important thing. I never let it sit dirty. Living in WA your bike would rust out in a heartbeat. I have soo many hours on my quad and most people say it looks immaculate.

[Ry007]

Here's the other side.....

[Les Davis]

Liquid Performance ATV Wash. I swear by this stuff. You can use it on the entire bike. Spray on and let it sit for a few minutes. For heavy build up, I use a brush but I handwash my bike afterwards regardless. I WD-40 the engine afterwards as well. Seems to make cleaning allot easier after each ride.

[metalmind342]

ive used Simple Green in past with pretty good results. spray it on and let it sit for like 20 min or so and scrub a little but and hose off. Only like $4 a bottle at walmart.

[Ry007]

Originally posted by metalmind342
ive used Simple Green in past with pretty good results. spray it on and let it sit for like 20 min or so and scrub a little but and hose off. Only like $4 a bottle at walmart.

I concur! Simple green is good to go!