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Restoration tip #347 quick and easy cleaning

Discussion in 'XJ DIY How-To Instructions' started by bigfitz52, Jul 14, 2009.

  1. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    BEFORE:

    [​IMG]

    Freshly removed from a rack of carbs, with 26 years' worth of crud.


    AFTER

    Three hours' soak in common household white vinegar, followed by a scrub with a stiff brush and soapy water. Wiped down with WD40 or equivalent afterward.

    [​IMG]
     
    bigfitz52, Jul 14, 2009
    #1
  2. ktcubed

    ktcubed Member

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    I'll add that to my list of stuff to do when I rebuild them this summer. I know most of you ride in the summer and rebuild in the winter, but down here, I often do the opposite.
     
    ktcubed, Jul 14, 2009
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  3. bill

    bill Active Member

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    I'll have to try that
     
    bill, Jul 15, 2009
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  4. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    It seems to work the best on zinc-plated or cad-plated parts; not so good on cast or raw metal. It will remove rust on bolts, etc., but if not immediately protected they rust back up.

    Takes 2-3 hours to get a good result though; at first it looks like nothing's happening.
     
    bigfitz52, Jul 20, 2009
    #4
  5. bill

    bill Active Member

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    Tried this over the weekend. Not much help on really rusty stuff but cut the crud nicely. I left various fasteners most of the day in a cup and agitated it when I went by it as I puttered.

    Worked very well for most of the stuff!
     
    bill, Jul 20, 2009
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  6. ghost_rider1967

    ghost_rider1967 Member

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    Will this work on exhaust headers tooo? I got some really rusty one..
     
    ghost_rider1967, Aug 21, 2009
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  7. Ltdave

    Ltdave Member

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    as far east as you can get in michigan 43.027407,
    i DO know that sandblasting will clean crud but it will also remove the cadmium or zinc plating...

    ive done this on several small parts then soaked them in nitric acid. they get a nice even (if you get all of the oil off them) coating of flat black oxide. a good dousing with rust penetrant and youre good to go...

    of course Fitz specializes in making his bikes look better than showroom new so doing it my way probably isnt in the cards in Croswell...
     
    Ltdave, Aug 21, 2009
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