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Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

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  • #1

    Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

    I would like to share some DIY information on degreasing, chrome and rubber maintenance. Please feel free to discuss and add to this information.
    DEGREASING: There would be two kinds of solvents polar and non polar. Turpentine, kerosene and diesel can be used as organic solvents in the automotive context and acetone can be used as a polar solvent. Acetone is commonly available with chemists and also found in nail polish remover. Though petrol would also effectively remove grease, its corrosive properties contraindicate its use. A word on domestic degreasers. White vinegar and a paste of baking soda and water is sworn as the best domestic solution to the problem of grease removal.A 1 in 1 solution of auto transmission fluid and acetone or brake fluid and acetone is also a potent penetration fluid to remove rust.A solution of vinegar and baking soda is also touted as one of the best homemade degreasers available. Vinegar is also said to be a convenient rust removing solution. Use it for rusted nuts and bolts.
    CHROME: A folded section of aluminium foil (the size of a small bar of soap) dipped in aereated cola (take your pick of brand) is one of the most effective ways to restore old chrome. It is said that the aluminium is sacrificed on interaction with the acid in the carbonated cola to restore the virgin chrome finish.
    RUBBER PARTS: The prime enemies of rubber parts are time, air and sunlight. While little can be done about the age of a rubber part, protection from the other two can go a long way in ensuring longevity. Coating the parts with petroleum jelly is recommended. As is the use of 'silicon grease'. Please bear in mind that normal grease or diesel or petrol would harm rubber parts.
    Last edited by shaanbirdman; 08-06-2013, 09:51 PM.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

    Topic Approved
    Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

    Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

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    • #3
      Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

      Nice !!!

      I was looking for Chrome protection and here it is !!!

      On my Bike, I will try Chrome protection starting from silencer cover and then doing it elsewhere. De-Greasing, starting from engine fins and then checking where ever applicable.

      Thanks a lot and will definitively post my results by weekend.

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      • #4
        Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

        Originally posted by shaanbirdman View Post
        DEGREASING
        Nothing beats Kerosene; but these days I trust...


        While going through your post, I came across this link in addition; looks like I've to give a try on this to see how effective this is - How to Make a Natural Degreaser: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

        Originally posted by shaanbirdman View Post
        CHROME
        Nothing beats...

        And my bet is always with...


        Originally posted by shaanbirdman View Post
        RUBBER PARTS...While little can be done about the age of a rubber part
        Not really; there's products that are proved to protect such as...




        All these & more has been discussed in this thread - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/universa...ng-thread.html
        Skill is what keeps you on a Motorcycle
        Awareness + Skill is what keeps you out of harm's way
        ATGATT + Awareness + Skill means you might Live To Ride another day

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        • #5
          Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

          @ the monk: thanks for approving this thread. While Aargee has brought out some of the better solutions to the 'cleaning' problem, in posting this thread I just wanted to bring out readily and cheaply available alternatives for the same. For people trying out the vinegar and soda recipe, you have to apply it liberally(with a half inch paintbrush, say) and then let it 'soak' for sometime. For tough grime, upto several hours. You have the option of wiping it off and washing with water or just giving it for pressure wash next day. Works excellently on burnt oil stains like the rear end of an rx 100 silencer, carb area, stand etc.
          Diesel when used in place of kerosene will act better in terms of cleaning and lubrication as well, though if used externally it tends to attract dust.Some people online suggest using diesel as an engine/gearbox flush, however proceed at own discretion as opinion is divided as to its effect on oil seals, gaskets etc. I've done it once each in my rx100 gearbox and aviator ie drain oil, close plug refill 650 ml diesel in rx100 gearbox, 700 ml in aviator, closing filler cap, starting engine and going through the gears(rear wheel raised of course) for a few minutes. Was rewarded with additional gunk when I drained diesel. A blow of high pressure air later, filled with motul 3100. No problems so far. However, proceed at own discretion. Bottomline: Diesel is cheap, professional flush expensive.
          It would be kind if experienced members like aargee posted the prices and approx life (how long will it last if used once a week or month..)of a bottle of cleaners/degreasers mentioned above.
          Last edited by shaanbirdman; 08-06-2013, 04:18 AM.

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          • #6
            Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

            Originally posted by aargee View Post
            And my bet is always with...
            [MENTION=26407]aargee[/MENTION] [MENTION=22265]SriramEfunds[/MENTION]. Thanks for this. I heard about this from you guys.
            Click image for larger version Name: ImageUploadedByxBhp Connect1375766125.423549.jpg Views: 1 Size: 27.5 KB ID: 1854056


            Sent from xBhp Connect for iOS
            None of Us is as Smart as All of Us

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            • #7
              Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

              To add to my initial post. ELECTROLYTIC RUST REMOVALFom net, I havent done this)
              Reqd: Plastic balti 20 lts
              Washing soda 2 kgs
              Battery charger/source of dc current 12 v
              Seven or eightRebars(sariya) rust free should be cut to appx
              18 inch tall
              Wire
              Water
              Reasonable electrical safety intelligence

              In a plastic balti full of water dissolve just under 2 kg of washing soda. Make a ring of clean good iron rods around seven or eight of them, lay them vertically around the inner periphery of the balti. Connect all to the positive terminal of a battery charger. Put rusted nuts and bolts or any reasonably sized rusted item in the center so that it doesn't touch the iron rods. In case of small items may tie them in a potli of wire mesh. Connect single item or potli to negative terminal of battery charger. Leave overnight (dont forget to switch on the charger ). Voila ! No rust on bolts. The iron rods will have deposits though.
              Last edited by shaanbirdman; 08-06-2013, 06:01 PM.

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              • #8
                Re: Degreasing, Chrome and Rubber Maintenance

                http://frugalliving.about.com/od/aff...er_Recipes.htm says:


                Window Cleaner

                What You Need:
                • White vinegar
                • A spray bottle
                • Newspaper

                Spray full strength vinegar onto the windows. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe dry with a piece of newspaper.

                Chrome Cleaner

                What You Need:
                • White vinegar
                • Water
                • A spray bottle
                • A sponge or cleaning rag

                Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on your wheels; and work it in with a sponge or cleaning rag.
                Note: Vinegar should not be used on aluminum alloys.

                Tire Cleaner

                What You Need:
                • Baking soda
                • Water
                • A scrub brush

                Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into the tires with a scrub brush. Let it sit for several minutes. Then, rinse off.

                Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover

                What You Need:
                • White vinegar
                • Baking Soda
                • A scrub brush

                Mix white vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into any carpet and upholstery stains with a toothbrush or something similar. Allow the paste to dry. Then, vacuum up the baking soda, and the stains should be gone.
                Note: Some stains may need to be treated more than once.

                Interior Cleaner

                What You Need:
                • White vinegar
                • Water
                • A spray bottle
                • A cleaning rag

                Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on any vinyl, plastic, wood, or leather surfaces in your car that need cleaning. Allow it to soak in. Then, wipe dry with a clean rag.
                Note: As with any leather cleaner, you should test on a small area before applying to the entire surface.

                Interior Protectant/Dressing

                What You Need:
                • 1 cup olive oil
                • 1/2 cup lemon juice
                • A spray bottle or bowl
                • 2 cleaning rags

                Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a spray bottle or bowl. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe a small amount of the dressing into the dashboard and any other plastic or vinyl surfaces. Finish by wiping off the excess with another cleaning rag.
                Warning: Do not use on the steering wheel, pedals or any other controls where slipperiness could pose a hazard. Also be careful not to get in on windows





                Last edited by shaanbirdman; 08-07-2013, 01:47 PM.

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