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+--- Thread: Degreasing Aluminum (/showthread.php?tid=266)
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Degreasing Aluminum - Deftquiver - 05-14-2013 01:20 PM
Hey Guys,
I know this is slightly off topic since no one's bike has developed enough grease to warrant this yet, but it's bound to happen at some point. How the heck do you degreas aluminum? Every forum post/article I see, has conflicting information out the wazoo.
One person recommends a product, and then the next post has someone with a horror story about said product causing oxidation/etching.
Does anyone know of a good product that is actually safe for degreasing aluminum?
Deft
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - The ferret - 05-14-2013 02:34 PM
If you are talking about on the motorcycle, I use S-100 or a product called Brite Wash made for washing motorcycles. If you are talking a specific concentrated grease area I will use wd 40 or contact cleaner even
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - Deftquiver - 05-14-2013 03:44 PM
Yeah, this is actually for my old 1980 XS650 which currently has the motor out of the frame... I figured it could be usefull here at some point though (Keep people from oxidizing their aluminum).
I'll probably see how far I can get with WD 40... since I'd be pretty comfortable putting that on just about anything.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - SUPERCRUZ - 05-14-2013 03:47 PM
WD 40 on a soft shop towel or terry cloth rag works great for removing chain grease and brake dust on the aluminum rims.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - GSAviator - 05-14-2013 09:06 PM
WD40 with a Scotch Brite pad works well for a brushed finnish.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - 6.5kev - 05-15-2013 07:13 AM
(05-14-2013 09:06 PM)GSAviator Wrote: WD40 with a Scotch Brite pad works well for a brushed finnish.
Be careful with a Scoth Brite pad as they will scratch polished metal and even chrome. Had a bad experience once with them.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - Deftquiver - 05-15-2013 03:01 PM
Thanks guys. Does anyone have any experience with Mineral Spirits and aluminum?
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - SUPERCRUZ - 05-15-2013 03:45 PM
(05-15-2013 03:01 PM)Deftquiver Wrote: Thanks guys. Does anyone have any experience with Mineral Spirits and aluminum?
I would not use Mineral Spirits If the aluminum is clear coated, you could use some Naptha. I use a bottle of Rosnol lighter fluid on painted and aluminum surfaces to remove grease and tar from my cars and bikes. Been doing this for years. Pick it up at your local CVS or drug store. It is essentially Naptha which can be used to clean all kinds of things from furniture to dress shoes. You will need to follow with a coat of wax after you use this stuff. Caution - Do not use this stuff on plastics or vinyl.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - GoldOxide - 11-10-2018 06:28 PM
If you are referring to the rear rim (i.e. grease slung off the chain), for years I have simply been using an old men's cotton t-shirt. The oil seems to simply wipe off with no effort. If there happens to be a problem spot, good ol' Windex has never failed. For super touch spots like tar, a pinch of WD-40, but kerosene will do fine too. My rims have no oxidation stains, scratches or wear.
RE: Degreasing Aluminum - jimgl3 - 11-17-2018 05:01 AM
spray waxes work well