Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    47
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default Looking for product to clean my engine.

    I have a 2009 RS SM5, I am going to attempt my first oil change by myself. However, my engine is covered in build up of oil of some kind. I had a coolant leak and fixed that last weekend, needed to tighten the clamp on hose. I am looking for a product to clean my engine with. After I clean it, than I can discover if I do have a leak of some kind? So what is a good product I can use on the engine to get the oil and dirt off?

    Thanks in advance,
    Sheila
    2009 RS SM5

  2. #2
    SpyderLovers Sponsor Motorcycledave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Linden, CA
    Posts
    4,415
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    OK I know this may sound crazy but it works great,
    AFTER! you remove ALL your plastic body side panels
    both sides, go into your kitchen and look under the sink for
    your spray can of EASY OFF OVEN ClEANER, lemon is best
    because it smells better.
    Squirt water on the dirty areas with a hose, by the way
    do this outside, spray Easy Off on the engine and let stand
    for a few min. then hose it off, now you have a very clean engine.
    DO NOT leave it on to long as it will renove paint if you got any on the
    frame. This works great if you don’t have a steam cleaner.
    Give it a try.
    Dave

    Quote Originally Posted by tspappe View Post
    I have a 2009 RS SM5, I am going to attempt my first oil change by myself. However, my engine is covered in build up of oil of some kind. I had a coolant leak and fixed that last weekend, needed to tighten the clamp on hose. I am looking for a product to clean my engine with. After I clean it, than I can discover if I do have a leak of some kind? So what is a good product I can use on the engine to get the oil and dirt off?

    Thanks in advance,
    Sheila
    2009 RS SM5
    Last edited by Motorcycledave; 03-08-2018 at 02:11 PM.

  3. #3
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Hawaii
    Posts
    48
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    My engine was caked in oil and road grime. Best to use a paint friendly degreaser since the frame is just lightly painted to protect from corrosion. The oven cleaner idea will work, but you have to make sure you get it all off since it can corrode aluminum. THere are a lot of nooks and cranny's that you'll miss if you're not careful. Always good to use a pressure washer to clean everything off. My engine is clean minus the aluminum oxidation. The pressure washer is what makes the biggest difference. A steam cleaner would be good to loosen all the baked in stuff before pressure washing it.

    Wish I took some before and after pictures of the engine.

  4. #4
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    North Central Florida
    Posts
    2,486
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Auto parts stores have spray cans of product specifically designed to "de-grease" engines.
    Follow the instructions.

    I would NOT use oven cleaner as it might damage all kinds of finishes, paints and rubber and plastic parts.
    LYE is the main ingredient in the original formulation.

  5. #5
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    sarasota, fl
    Posts
    877
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    OK, after you get it clean, here's a tip to keep the corrosion away.
    I have used this stuff for a few years on bikes, lawn stuff, anything that is in the weather.

    ACF50

    some links
    http://www.acf-50.eu/motorcycle.htm
    http://ridermagazine.com/2016/09/09/...ormula-review/


    got mine on Ebay but now the local Honda dealer carries it.
    originally used on aircraft and can be bought in 55 gal. drums



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  6. #6
    Very Active Member pegasus1300's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Spring City,Utah
    Posts
    5,343
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    The cheapest and easiest way to get your engine clean is to warm it up and use Dave's suggestion of the Easy Off oven cleaner spray then go to a car wash and spray it all away.If you don't like the oven cleaner idea,then go to your favorite auto parts store and get a spray can or 2 of Gunk. Ride your Spyder to the car wash, spray Gunk on, let sit for awhile then spray it off. You may have to do a couple of applications if there is a real heavy coating. Motorcycle shops,auto shops, and any heavy duty mechanical repair shops have been using both products for degreasing for many years.

    Happy TRAils/NSD
    Paul

    2012 RT L
    AMA 25 years Life Member
    TRA
    PGR
    Rhino Riders Plate #83
    Venturers #78
    TOI

    2012 Spyder RT L , Baja Ron Plugs and wires Lava Bronze

  7. #7
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    San Diego, CA.
    Posts
    31,097
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Opinions.....

    The best one I have found through too many years....Griot's Engine Cleaner. Does a great job and do it once a year. Tough spots I use a shot of brake cleaner...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  8. #8
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    washington state
    Posts
    3,166
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I will not use oven degreaser
    2012 Spyder RT SE5 Brake pedal mod

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •