GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Cleaning & Polishing => Topic started by: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 12:10 AM

Title: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 12:10 AM
Hey there folks!

I know there's already a few topics about that but I though I'd share my experience as I didn't seem to find a topic relating to the product I'm using.

So, thoroughly cleaned my 14 last week, you know that 3-hour long process where you even have to sacrifice your beloved toothbrush? And it doesn't happen very very often since she's my daily commuter and I've been frustrated enough times seeing it rain on the same day... So I've been experiencing with a very easy to find and cheap solution.  :grin:

As most of you guys, I am always sad to see the usual deterioration on the finish of my engine (black paint fading to grey, white corrosion spots between the fins, etc) and as I'm planning to have the engine resprayed when I have some spare cash (probably around year 2075), I though I'd take the risk.

So... (drumroll)... I'm simply using... a car cockpit cleaner! (tadaaaaaaaaa!) The one I had on hand was from Arexons, but I guess any other will do. It doesn't leave a thick coating (even if applied generously) and it's not sticky, as mentioned in other topics and it's cheap, around MUR300 a can (USD1 = MUR37, EUR1 = MUR40, roughly). It's paraffine-based, not silicone. I was already using it on the plastic and rubber bits around the bike and then one day I tried on the aluminium reservoirs on the handlebar. I tried it over and over again without seeing any negative effect on the metal, so I then tried it on the engine to see if it would handle the heat without altering anything. So far so good! It'll wash out eventually in the rain without leaving unwanted residue, so the next engine wash is a straight-forward process.

And it doesn't leave a super shiny coating, like mentioned in other topics, it mostly pretty much restores the original finish IMO. I use my cousin's (super clean) K6 14's engine with original finish as a frame of reference.

See pictures below, the one of my engine from the side is the day I washed my bike, the one from the top is 5 days after.

I might appear as a guy who feels like he rediscovered fire here (and it's a bit true :laugh: ) when someone else might have done it and shared it.
I really love this community as it genuinely feels like a great family, thanks to the everyone that and to the admins striving to keep it a nice place, unlike other forums (mostly supersports bikes) where the ambiance is hindered by competition, ego and "who's got the bigger pair".
I thought I could repay all this good vibes and add my two cents in a constructive way! :hat:

Ride safe and keep the 14 living!  :)

Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Notty on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 01:23 AM
looking good  :clapping:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 02:42 AM
Good tip, not that I've ever seen that can down this way.  When are you doing the top coat on the tank?  :stir: :whistling:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 11:31 AM
Car cockpit cleaner?

Anyone know what that translates to here in 'Straya ?


(Please don't say Mr Sheen)
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 12:15 PM
Quote from: Notty on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 01:23 AM
looking good  :clapping:

Thanks Notty :) So good not seeing the grayish fade indeed!

Quote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 02:42 AM
Good tip, not that I've ever seen that can down this way.  When are you doing the top coat on the tank?  :stir: :whistling:

Hehe. I knew that scratch on the tank wouldn't go unnoticed (courtesy of the previous owner). Will soon actually order a brand new tank from Germany/Netherlands in L99 scheme, probably in January if the December money harvest works well  :notworthy:

Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 11:31 AM
Car cockpit cleaner?

Anyone know what that translates to here in 'Straya ?


(Please don't say Mr Sheen)

Seems like you and Mr. Sheen have a bit of history Mike! Well Arexons is Italian, IIRC, so they basically speak their own English language :grin:
I think their competition also call it "Dashboard Protector", "Interior Shine" and alike. In essence any paraffine-based spray can really. It's used to prevent aging on interior plastics. I guess any other will do  ;)
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Sweaty on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 12:51 PM
Good job & good of you to take the time to let everyone know.
I'm using the s100 engine brightner, which was also recommended on here. Does a great job too.

I think KiwiCol was being even cheekier than that, and was referring to the actual grey colour  :whistling: (he's a cheeky boy)  :grin: I would never say something like that  :cheesy:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 01:33 PM
Thanks for the tip Sweaty, I'll keep an eye out for the S100 when travelling. Mauritius is so late in everything than I can't even find simple things like Autosol or 3M products here... Actually had to buy some Autosol in South Africa during a trip there a couple of months ago!

And yes, now I remember an discussion on paint schemes, and that Col has one of the MUCH FASTER black 14's!  :P
Mine was actually almost certainly black from factory before the previous owner painted her in a Bandit-like dark metallic grey. I don't really... okay I'll say it... like the black one!  :devil: and don't even get me started on the Z version!
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 02:45 PM
That's ok Latetsorpa, lots of people don't like the Blacks.  They're rarer than the Blue n Whites, but not as rare as the primer & clearcoat ones.  :whistling:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 04:54 PM
Sweaty, any local contacts on s100. Used to get it local but now only o/seas, freight the killer. The Harley stuff works im told, me in a Harley shop? Well no one says much when im in the dress shop, i might be ok😂
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Sweaty on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 05:24 PM
Grog, I last purchased it from here 2 years ago $19.95 + $9.95 postage
S100 australia
http://www.s100.com.au/
But it does not seem to exist anymore :whatever:

Latetsorpa, the B&W's are definately the nicest & fastest, especially the K6 scheme  :smile2:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 05:32 PM
 
Quote from: Sweaty on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 05:24 PM
Latetsorpa, the B&W's are definately the nicest & fastest, especially the K6 scheme  :smile2:

Luckily I've got one of them as well!   :boogie: :smitten:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 05:43 PM
Sweaty, best price is now around $40 inc freight. Harley black $25, pick up. Pig Spit also rates but expensive. Guess its a trip to Harley shop.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Notty on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 06:49 PM
I used the Harley black and it does work  :) but Harley riders now wave to me  :bugga:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 07:20 PM
Im friendly Notty, ill wave back. Does it also mean i can have open end pipe, just annoy the hell out of all humans? Does al the countries you blokes live in have harley epidemic like Oz? They drive me crazy, worst engine noise ever.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Mick_J on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 07:38 PM
Love the sound of a Hog, like everything about Harleys apart from riding them.   :)
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 09:12 PM
Mjgt, so glad you like their noise.Come and live in my house, youll soon change your ideas. 
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Mick_J on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 09:21 PM
Way too smoky for me grog, when all the fires are out I might take you up on that.  :lol:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Irish in Oz on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, 11:21 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 11:31 AM
Car cockpit cleaner?

Anyone know what that translates to here in 'Straya ?


(Please don't say Mr Sheen)

Oz used to have Armor All may be similar.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Thursday, 12 December 2019, 11:14 AM
I didn't mean mister sheen, I did actually mean that armour all shite.

Leaves a film of crap on the inside of windscreen in cars when it evaporates from the dash etc.


As far as use on engine - I guess it relies on engine being Black to start with and not already faded?
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Thursday, 12 December 2019, 04:39 PM
Vlad, try the Repco brand interior protectant for your car, works perfectly, doesnt leave slimy feel as does Armorall. Bigger bottle & cheaper.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: KiwiCol on Thursday, 12 December 2019, 05:30 PM
We have Repco here too, will have an eyeball next time I'm in there, for the car though.  :onya:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Thursday, 12 December 2019, 10:25 PM
Thanks grog mate will do,.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Horse on Friday, 13 December 2019, 12:38 AM
Quote from: grog on Thursday, 12 December  2019, 04:39 PM
Vlad, try the Repco brand interior protectant for your car, works perfectly, doesnt leave slimy feel as does Armorall. Bigger bottle & cheaper.

Most of the protectants on the market are silicone fuelled and not the best for the materials they are supposedly protecting 303 products make a silicone free protectant that is a true sunscreen to protect and stop fading and is OK for leather as well , have been using it for years and works well , not as cheap as others though

Regards,
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Irish in Oz on Friday, 13 December 2019, 05:02 AM
Quote from: grog on Thursday, 12 December  2019, 04:39 PM
Vlad, try the Repco brand interior protectant for your car, works perfectly, doesnt leave slimy feel as does Armorall. Bigger bottle & cheaper.

The new Armour All is advertised as being non greasy, or maybe they test it with rubber gloves on.

Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Friday, 13 December 2019, 05:46 AM
Have been using WD40 does smoke a bit to start with.
Won't have Armour All in the workshop. Bad to have around if you intend to paint anything. Full of silicone.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Sunday, 05 January 2020, 01:14 AM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Friday, 13 December  2019, 05:46 AM
Armour All ..... Full of silicone.

Indeed which is why it leaves a near impossible to remove film of crap on the inside of windscreens from repeated baking...
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Big Geordi on Monday, 06 January 2020, 06:00 PM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Friday, 13 December  2019, 05:46 AM
Have been using WD40 does smoke a bit to start with.
Won't have Armour All in the workshop. Bad to have around if you intend to paint anything. Full of silicone.
Have always used WD40  :onya: 
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Monday, 06 January 2020, 08:57 PM
S100 far the best.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Wednesday, 29 January 2020, 02:56 PM
Quote from: grog on Monday, 06 January  2020, 08:57 PM
S100 far the best.
which would be great if it was available.


Quote from: horse on Friday, 13 December  2019, 12:38 AM
303 products make a silicone free protectant that is a true sunscreen to protect and stop fading and is OK for leather as well , have been using it for years and works well , not as cheap as others though

Yeah cool 303 is awesome stuff, I have some of that!
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Nic on Wednesday, 04 March 2020, 04:49 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 29 January  2020, 02:56 PM
Quote from: grog on Monday, 06 January  2020, 08:57 PM
S100 far the best.
which would be great if it was available.
Is this the stuff here? https://www.autobarn.net/s100-engine.html (https://www.autobarn.net/s100-engine.html)
There's a whole lot of stuff here https://www.autobarn.net/s100.html (https://www.autobarn.net/s100.html)
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Snapey on Wednesday, 04 March 2020, 05:11 PM
Good try Nic but that's a US Autobarn. Australian Autobarn don't carry it.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Nic on Wednesday, 04 March 2020, 06:43 PM
Oh FFS  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Ginju on Thursday, 05 March 2020, 05:33 AM
Quote from: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 12:10 AM
Hey there folks!

I know there's already a few topics about that but I though I'd share my experience as I didn't seem to find a topic relating to the product I'm using.

So, thoroughly cleaned my 14 last week, you know that 3-hour long process where you even have to sacrifice your beloved toothbrush? And it doesn't happen very very often since she's my daily commuter and I've been frustrated enough times seeing it rain on the same day... So I've been experiencing with a very easy to find and cheap solution.  :grin:

As most of you guys, I am always sad to see the usual deterioration on the finish of my engine (black paint fading to grey, white corrosion spots between the fins, etc) and as I'm planning to have the engine resprayed when I have some spare cash (probably around year 2075), I though I'd take the risk.

So... (drumroll)... I'm simply using... a car cockpit cleaner! (tadaaaaaaaaa!) The one I had on hand was from Arexons, but I guess any other will do. It doesn't leave a thick coating (even if applied generously) and it's not sticky, as mentioned in other topics and it's cheap, around MUR300 a can (USD1 = MUR37, EUR1 = MUR40, roughly). It's paraffine-based, not silicone. I was already using it on the plastic and rubber bits around the bike and then one day I tried on the aluminium reservoirs on the handlebar. I tried it over and over again without seeing any negative effect on the metal, so I then tried it on the engine to see if it would handle the heat without altering anything. So far so good! It'll wash out eventually in the rain without leaving unwanted residue, so the next engine wash is a straight-forward process.

And it doesn't leave a super shiny coating, like mentioned in other topics, it mostly pretty much restores the original finish IMO. I use my cousin's (super clean) K6 14's engine with original finish as a frame of reference.

See pictures below, the one of my engine from the side is the day I washed my bike, the one from the top is 5 days after.

I might appear as a guy who feels like he rediscovered fire here (and it's a bit true :laugh: ) when someone else might have done it and shared it.
I really love this community as it genuinely feels like a great family, thanks to the everyone that and to the admins striving to keep it a nice place, unlike other forums (mostly supersports bikes) where the ambiance is hindered by competition, ego and "who's got the bigger pair".
I thought I could repay all this good vibes and add my two cents in a constructive way! :hat:

Ride safe and keep the 14 living!  :)

Think I'll give that a go...the engine does looks a bit grubby.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: DP1400 on Thursday, 05 March 2020, 05:52 AM
Rewind, rewind! Before you start spraying your fancy canned stuff all over the engine block, give it an easy scrub - and forget toothbrushes. For a couple of quid buy a car alloy wheel brush. Perfect results, a really flexible tool brilliant for getting into all those awkward areas, and really quick. Then you can get your Mr. Sheen out..... ;)
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Thursday, 05 March 2020, 10:19 AM
Indeed. Good advice.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Nic on Thursday, 05 March 2020, 10:49 AM
Years ago I used to use Mr Sheen to clean my guitars, somewhere along the way they changed it, now I hate the smell of it, used to smell ok, not now, typical  :frustrated:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Ginju on Friday, 13 March 2020, 03:42 AM
Quote from: Ginju on Thursday, 05 March  2020, 05:33 AM
Quote from: Latetsorpa on Wednesday, 11 December  2019, 12:10 AM
Hey there folks!

I know there's already a few topics about that but I though I'd share my experience as I didn't seem to find a topic relating to the product I'm using.

So, thoroughly cleaned my 14 last week, you know that 3-hour long process where you even have to sacrifice your beloved toothbrush? And it doesn't happen very very often since she's my daily commuter and I've been frustrated enough times seeing it rain on the same day... So I've been experiencing with a very easy to find and cheap solution.  :grin:

As most of you guys, I am always sad to see the usual deterioration on the finish of my engine (black paint fading to grey, white corrosion spots between the fins, etc) and as I'm planning to have the engine resprayed when I have some spare cash (probably around year 2075), I though I'd take the risk.

So... (drumroll)... I'm simply using... a car cockpit cleaner! (tadaaaaaaaaa!) The one I had on hand was from Arexons, but I guess any other will do. It doesn't leave a thick coating (even if applied generously) and it's not sticky, as mentioned in other topics and it's cheap, around MUR300 a can (USD1 = MUR37, EUR1 = MUR40, roughly). It's paraffine-based, not silicone. I was already using it on the plastic and rubber bits around the bike and then one day I tried on the aluminium reservoirs on the handlebar. I tried it over and over again without seeing any negative effect on the metal, so I then tried it on the engine to see if it would handle the heat without altering anything. So far so good! It'll wash out eventually in the rain without leaving unwanted residue, so the next engine wash is a straight-forward process.

And it doesn't leave a super shiny coating, like mentioned in other topics, it mostly pretty much restores the original finish IMO. I use my cousin's (super clean) K6 14's engine with original finish as a frame of reference.

See pictures below, the one of my engine from the side is the day I washed my bike, the one from the top is 5 days after.

I might appear as a guy who feels like he rediscovered fire here (and it's a bit true :laugh: ) when someone else might have done it and shared it.
I really love this community as it genuinely feels like a great family, thanks to the everyone that and to the admins striving to keep it a nice place, unlike other forums (mostly supersports bikes) where the ambiance is hindered by competition, ego and "who's got the bigger pair".
I thought I could repay all this good vibes and add my two cents in a constructive way! :hat:

Ride safe and keep the 14 living!  :)

Think I'll give that a go...the engine does looks a bit grubby.

Fastforward,Fastworward !...Tried your engine cleaner ''discovery'' and it works a treat...not alloy wheel brush  :lol:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Andre on Friday, 13 March 2020, 04:21 AM
I think what @DP1400 meant with the brush is to clean the engine first before spraying the cockpit cleaner onto the gunk.

I found an ancient cockpit spray in my stash that should fit the bill. Will give it a try these days.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Friday, 13 March 2020, 11:56 AM
Andre - how ancient. Do check it, it goes off eventually.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: MickyJB on Friday, 03 May 2024, 10:07 PM
I've been using this product for a few years, I spray it all over the motor frame hoses .. I don't intentionally spray the tank or seat,

Spray on and leave it, if you feel the need wipe over with a micro fibre cloth the next day.

Bunnings Australia - $12.99 for a litre.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Saturday, 04 May 2024, 10:08 PM
Hmm I just checked the MSDS on that and it's a silicon based product. (much like 'Armor-All') so that's a NO from me. 

YMMV.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: MickyJB on Sunday, 05 May 2024, 08:56 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Saturday, 04 May  2024, 10:08 PMHmm I just checked the MSDS on that and it's a silicon based product. (much like 'Armor-All') so that's a NO from me. 

YMMV.

Fair enough, I've seen no negatives in using it on any of my vehicles.  :whatever:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 06 May 2024, 12:03 AM
Mate its probably fine for what you are doing.

I will not use it inside a car as that leads to that filmy build-up of hard to clean stuff on the inside of the windscreen (due to evaporation from very high inside car temps).

Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: MickyJB on Monday, 06 May 2024, 12:08 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Monday, 06 May  2024, 12:03 AMMate its probably fine for what you are doing.

I will not use it inside a car as that leads to that filmy build-up of hard to clean stuff on the inside of the windscreen (due to evaporation from very high inside car temps).



That's the good thing about it, it doesn't leave the greasy feeling that attracts dust etc. Armor All is crap IMO and ridiculously expensive.

Those who have tried the Bunnings stuff have liked it. 

👍
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Monday, 06 May 2024, 04:42 PM
S100 is only $157 delivered, gone up a bit from $20 last can. Ive run out finally, trip to Harley shop $35.
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: Batkwaka on Tuesday, 07 May 2024, 02:44 PM
A clothes peg, paper towels, WD40 and elbow grease is how I clean the engine and fins. I don't mind using Armorall but I'm not the one that'll be repainting the bike. :cheers:
Title: Re: Keeping your engine black and clean, I think I've found a cheap hack.
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 07 May 2024, 07:10 PM
These are cheap as, last around 12 months, work so well with a bit of truckwash, hose off, let dry, apply S100, which now will be Hardly engine brightener. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/403883509860?itmmeta=01HX94T4MHFQM5VBWEH1KCAMNX&hash=item5e09554864:g:UdwAAOSwfCdjIEOp&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8Aww6ast%2BnWAbNMIKrxYvADNfsdcvcj9rsrItLXlKa%2Bd%2FFIJOyhFbgix0SLNcDDt4IZD26h4X5NkZXu8siGuqbGm8a3rMXQhHEPHCQ%2BfdoFKaCqdj%2FJ1OZ9HIin7jlWofAWnra1v%2BbOxcSmFWuD%2FHSP05FcKMzf4bp3KnDsFQGIoUCZKJzySxan0sSrD1SiEP6Nji%2FTA5xTtsIHS0xzM8K5%2BaToKK5Wc4f7GKOybOOl9ajO%2FRLO22H%2BJiE73OyMjSFnwvVaNTqkr2GJI0pWGX%2FZWYq1kxTIQUEhTslLxfv4OQZvUxB7UCHUW7GzuSWUVtA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6zK6KTqYw