Can Super Clean get it super clean?

Removing decades of oil and dirt off our 1980 Honda Hawk was a great time. We used Gunk Foamy and Super Clean spray and aerosol. I think the Gunk was a little less harsh as the Super Clean was etching the aluminum a little bit, which we'll look at closer in a future video.
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[@MinnowMoto]

What! that stuff works great. I got to try that on my skid plate. This may be a 1st. Deep clean on a project bike.

[@ACECafeBikes]

I was surprised too - it actually worked really well.

[@MrMeik1970]

Break Cleaner and a Brush is my Weapon against Dirt 😊

[@ACECafeBikes]

Fantastic

[@upchuckchops]

I use Super Clean out of a gallon jug and it works fairly well. It can oxidize/change the finish on aluminum so you have to rinse quickly. Scrubbing isn't fun but a clean bike is nice.

[@ACECafeBikes]

Thanks buddy

[@x1xBryanx1x]

When you reacted to the SuperClean, I immediate thought it might have Sodium Hydroxide (Lye). Looked it up and it does. That dissolves aluminum and aluminum oxide. Usually results in a tarnish look on raw aluminum, but will strip anodized aluminum.

[@ACECafeBikes]

Thanks for the tips and yes - it has discolored the aluminum a bit, hopefully we can sort that with a bit of polishing - if not....it's getting painted.

[@x1xBryanx1x]

@@ACECafeBikes
It will buff right out :D
Seriously, I use pure sodium hydroxide for cleaning and sometimes on my aluminum grill tables and pots. I know it will tarnish it, but it really takes that thick oil off. The tarnish doesnt stay. I know a scotch brite pad will remove it.

[@ACECafeBikes]

@x1xBryanx1x Perfect!

[@mmotorcycles9497]

Man that sucks. I’ve used different stuff over the years. Something that works great on one doesn’t on the other. I used to use simple green a bunch but sometimes easy off oven cleaner works better.

[@ACECafeBikes]

It's does suck, but I think we about have it. The foamy super clean kind of smells like oven cleaner.

[@nikosatsaves3141]

Oven cleaner works miracles on plastic!

[@ACECafeBikes]

@nikosatsaves3141 Really, I'll give it a shot!

[@nikosatsaves3141]

@ACECafeBikes not only it gives a nice shine but removes stubborn residue as well. . In my case it was the inprint of an old decall that wouldnt go away no matter what chemical i used on it.

[@mt1885]

Wonder if a Steam Cleaner would work on this as it is very difficult to clean around the counter shaft sprocket on mx bikes or like after it is packed in with chain lube ect.

[@ACECafeBikes]

That might have worked well. If only I had one 🤔

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

Best method avoiding damaging raw Aluminium and its factory protective layers would be dry ice cleaning!

[@ACECafeBikes]

Thanks for the tip

[@bikecommuter24]

Retired Mechanic of 46 plus years
I have used a lot of different chemicals and I cleaned my shared of caked on gunk, oil, grease, etc for a motorcycle some of those spray can cleaners can discolor the engine finish, the best cleaner I have found so far is good ol' dishwashing liquid I really like Dawn, you can get the power wash version at the grocery store, I get a spray bottle and mix it fairly strong for heavy grease and don't use a metal screwdriver there are plastic spatula and scrapers at the hardware store for that.

[@ACECafeBikes]

This is awesome, thanks for the tips. I wouldn't have thought Dawn would have been strong enough and you're right the Super Clean was a little harsh on the aluminum. Thanks so much

[@bikecommuter24]

@@ACECafeBikes
Been there done that, also simple green can discolor aluminum.
IF you need to the auto parts store sells aluminum restoration fluids use it sparingly.
for those big gobs of grease and gunk that get into the area around the front sprocket sometimes its easier to remove the sprocket and use a paper towel wrapped around a screwdriver, use cheap kitchen paper towels save the fancy blue ones for mechanical work. 😆
Dawn will break down a lot of greasy stuff, WD40 also breaks down grease but it can get messy, I like dishwashing soap because it's not toxic, it rinses well with water and it's cheap. 😆
A cleaned up natural finish engine with a black cylinder and polished cases does look nice once they are cleaned and detailed.
I know not everyone knows the easier ways to clean things, its good there are old guys like me to pass it on,
I started riding motorcycles and working on cars when I was 15 that was 1977.

[@ACECafeBikes]

@bikecommuter24 I appreciate it. Thanks so much.