cleaning the engine best way

Pinebeatle

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I want to clean the engine-- can I just spray on some engine cleaner and hose it off or would that be to much for the electronics. The exhaust donut was spraying oil all over the place and made a huge mess--Thanks
 

ferniesnow

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I want to clean the engine-- can I just spray on some engine cleaner and hose it off or would that be to much for the electronics. The exhaust donut was spraying oil all over the place and made a huge mess--Thanks

I went to Crappy Tire and bought some OEM de-greaser and it worked marvellous. Used it full strength and hosed it off. I didn't worry about the electronics and there were no problems. Some pictures are at this post:
 

RMK Junky

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Make sure you seal off the air box so water doesn't get into the engine. Fogging is a must. Use a friendly degreaser of sorts and try to stay away from any connections with pressure if possible. You still might have to check and dry all in the end anyway. Applying electrical grease to combat moisture will be a good idea anyway. This is why I just use a rag with degreaser on it....and :beer::beer::beer:. Warm soapy water and a garden hose. This gives me the opportunity to get up and personel with my sled. Give it a good check over before she goes into a deep sleep for a few months :d

Just my :twocents:
 
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maxwell

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i put a bag over the carbs/throttle bodies, plug off the air intake or put a bag over it. i also cover the computer.

then i go hard with degreaser and a pressure washer. never any issues.

if you think your engine isnt getting soaking wet while carving through 4 feet of powder your wrong
 

Pinebeatle

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i put a bag over the carbs/throttle bodies, plug off the air intake or put a bag over it. i also cover the computer.

then i go hard with degreaser and a pressure washer. never any issues.

if you think your engine isnt getting soaking wet while carving through 4 feet of powder your wrong

oh yea its gettin wet all right-- just seems strange hoseing it down--Cheers:):)
 

ferniesnow

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The problem is letting it sit with all that moisture in the connections for such a long time is all :) :beer:

After hosing it down, set it in the sun for awhile. Open the panels and it will dry nicely.

Make sure to put fresh grease in the zerks in the skid as this will chase any water out that has accumulated from the winter.

I take the ski/spindle bolts out and grease them also (I doo that twice a season). You may find the bushing or the spacers have taken a beating and need replacing.

The last thing I doo is use a liberal dose of Armoral on the panels, hood, console, seat, and gas tank. Then it is in the warm dry shop for the next 5 months just hanging out and itching to go for the first ride in November.
 

Modman

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brake cleaner or degreaser works well, as maxwell and oler said, spray it on, hose it off, using a pressure washer just make sure you do not force water into areas like the recoil etc that will hold the water there. If you use Castol Superclean make sure you use gloves, that stuff is nasty and probably isn't good for alumnium but I know some guys use it. Also, bag all the electronics and wrap the ends of the baggies with elastic bands. Once the dirt/grease/grime is off, I usually fire it up and run it for a few minutes just in case you forced any water in towards any seals, grease it good to force the water back out of the spindles and suspension arms, then fog it and park it in the sun to dry like ferniesnow.

Once its good and dry you want to oil any exposed aluminum parts to keep them from oxidizing. Not necessary but it does keep the sled looking good longer. I just use a light oil like an air tool oil on a rag, and just give them a quick wipe down. if its a polished part like a head or something, polish it (don't oil it).
 

Showtime

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brake cleaner or degreaser works well, as maxwell and oler said, spray it on, hose it off, using a pressure washer just make sure you do not force water into areas like the recoil etc that will hold the water there. If you use Castol Superclean make sure you use gloves, that stuff is nasty and probably isn't good for alumnium but I know some guys use it. Also, bag all the electronics and wrap the ends of the baggies with elastic bands. Once the dirt/grease/grime is off, I usually fire it up and run it for a few minutes just in case you forced any water in towards any seals, grease it good to force the water back out of the spindles and suspension arms, then fog it and park it in the sun to dry like ferniesnow.

Once its good and dry you want to oil any exposed aluminum parts to keep them from oxidizing. Not necessary but it does keep the sled looking good longer. I just use a light oil like an air tool oil on a rag, and just give them a quick wipe down. if its a polished part like a head or something, polish it (don't oil it).

I love the Super Clean, use it on everything including my BBQ and its bio-degradeable. Just make sure you rinse well cause it is powerfull as mentioned above.
 

Polarblu

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oven cleaner all the way. for those tough spots nothing has the power. you can just pour water on years of grease and it just floats away.
 

CUSO

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I use engine degreaser, and a pressure washer. I am careful about where I blast it. and don't cover anything. The carbs and electricla are usually clean.. I let it run until it's good and hot. Especially the pipes, if you have moisture in the clamshells, you need to get it dry or your pipe will rust.
 
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