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When/where NOT to use WD-40

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by prock, May 8, 2009.

  1. prock

    prock Member

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    Hi, I've read posts that talk about using WD-40 in all sorts of places to clean things. Before I start spraying this on the yucky parts of my bike can someone please tell me where I should NOT spray WD-40?
     
  2. midnightblu

    midnightblu Member

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    The paint
     
  3. stereomind

    stereomind Active Member

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    WD-40 manufacturer claims that it does not interact with rubber or plastics, so theoretically it should be safe for most anything.

    here's the FAQ.

    HOWEVER... WD-40 does attack some adhesives, and might peel up some stickers and pinstriping. I would still not use it on rubber, mostly because they don't tell you exactly what's in it. Also, it leaves a residue after it dries. Re-applying it will just deposit more residue.

    Personally, I prefer using silicone/PTFE lubricants to lubricate exposed linkages, cables, etc. Also, silicone grease is great for weather-proofing electric connections.
     
  4. ktcubed

    ktcubed Member

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    Eyes, nose, mouth...

    Brake rotors and pads, seat, grips,...

    Some say that over time WD-40 gums up. Thing to rember is WD stands for water displacement. Good for drying electical things etc. but not really a lubricant.
     
  5. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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    I maybe an exception, but I'm not a fan of WD-40. I used it several years ago, but have since moved on. I've been using Royal Purple's Maxfilm of late.
     
  6. TIMEtoRIDE

    TIMEtoRIDE Active Member

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    Where NOT to use ?
    Speedo and clutch cables, because, as said earlier, it dries to a gooey yellow mess. Not a long term lubricant.
    But since it will partially re-liquify old, dry lubricants, they can sell it as a lubricant, or "squeak fixer"
    But we're all better mechanics than that- - right?

    My arsenal of aerosols :
    (strong)
    MEK , Acetone , gasoline , NAPA gasket remover , starting fluid , mag wheel cleaner , Bleach , Kerosene , Aircraft Remover , carb dip , Muriatic Acid , CLR , Liquid Plumber , Brake cleaner- - ALL nasty !!
    (medium)
    Kroil , PB Blaster , engine de-greaser , Chain Wax , Marvel Mystery Oil , Diesel fuel as bulk solvent , wide variety of greases here , 80/140
    (weak)
    Sea Foam, Super Slick Stuff, Orange hand cleaner, WD-40 , No-Name silicone spray , Used motor oil , Vaseline , Di-electric grease , Behold furniture polish , Scrubbing bubbles , Dawn , OFF!

    The tricky part is to use the right solvent or lube for the right application, and of course, dispose of waste materials properly.

    There may be more at my "shop"
     
  7. m3hanninen

    m3hanninen New Member

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    Now we gotta remember those weather conditions again.
    In Ontario is much more humid and cold compared to southern parts of the states.So allthrough the basic key is to keep your cycle clean and do NOT use high-pressure washer at any cituation because then all oilseals etc
    and electrical components will be damaged.

    Marko
     
  8. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    TIME, your garage sounds like mine! Except that since Kroil came along, all the PB Blast, JB80 and Liquid Wrench are gone. NO NEED.

    And I've got VIM; Solvol Autosol and Tri-Flow with teflon.
     
  9. tennsouthernbelle

    tennsouthernbelle Member

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    I wouldn't use WD-40 on anything for a cleaner. But I find it works well on rusty bolts ect so on.

    If kaboom, or simple green with a scrubby pad or a brush can't clean it off I won't come off! If you get it on the paint be sure to rinse it off well and re-wax. Kaboom will take your layer of wax right off. My brother used engine gunk to clean his gunky bike engine up before. I personally have never tried it.

    I've used a pressure washer on my bike but on a very low setting to rinse it off. I don't use it to actually 'power wash' it. Always remember after a good washing to lube and condition everything back up. (cables, boots ect so on)

    I've never used kroil, but the marvel mystery oil is great!
     
  10. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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