I have never had an exact leak like that on my Harley but I have purchased many a used car with a dirty engine and I keep my engines clean.
For bad dirty oil covered car engines I have always used Gunk spray can engine degreaser then just wash it off, $6 a can at any auto parts store.
On my Harley I use a concentrated ( mixed stronger than normal ) bucket of warm water and Turtle Wax brand Zip Wax Car wash, $10 Walmart and it mixed strong cuts oil / dirt on a Harley engine and bike very well.
You also have brake / parts cleaner spray but thats a bit stronger than I like to use on a finished surface.
I also recommend S100 engine brightener spray after the Harley engine is clean and dry as it restores the engine black, rubber hoses etc to almost brand new condition.
Even my 28 years old bike engine looks almost new taking these few simple steps. I use that engine bright once a season in-between washes and its great stuff and the ONLY S100 product I like and use. Keeps the blacks black....
Last edited by Soundman5000; 10-12-2024 at 04:34 PM.
Normal washing with S-100 and a car wash concentrate has removed any oil on my bikes. A soft brush or a rag wet with mineral spirits would work too. Simple Green or most household spray cleaners would work.
I use Dawn liquid dishwashing soap at the shop, wet it down with water, spray on the dawn/water mixture and let it sit for 60 then spray it off carefully with a pressure washer. If it's really gunked up, I'll use GoJo hand cleaner and a toothbrush to get at the heavy gunk wherever I can then carefully pressure wash and follow up with Dawn/water spray mixture and rinse again.
If you use chemical cleaners try them on a hidden area first, we've had some situations where it dulled the paint. The Dawn and GoJo are used to clean dishes and hands so their gentle enough to not damage a finish. A coating of wax will bring the paint back on bodywork after cleaning it.
10-12-2024 | 02:31 PM
