Cleaning tip

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King
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Cleaning tip

#1

Post by King »

Hi All

I'm sure this has been done before but it worked so good for me I have to post it. About three years ago I installed a chrome plated cigar muffler on my 51 FL. Over time it became splattered with oil which of course baked on to the point that metal polish wouldn't budge it. So last night I took the muffler off and sprayed it with oven cleaner (that nasty stuff loaded with lye and who knows what else) and let it sit for about a half hour then got to work with steel wool. The result was amazing, the crud disappeared completely even the inlet clamp came out shinny. Now the whole set-up looks just like it did coming out of the box.
I suspect this will work on other areas of baked on oil like cylinder heads but it would be best to test a small area first to be sure the oven cleaner will not cause damage. Definately keep it away from paint and leather. Also the stuff is truly harmful so wear the nitrile gloves at all times when using it and a face shield if there is any chance of splatter. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area as the fumes are noxious. A bit of bother, but the results were worth it.

King
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Re: Cleaning tip

#2

Post by FlatHeadSix »

Oven cleaner and any other caustic soda (lye) based product is great for hard chrome or steel but DO NOT get it near anything aluminum. The reaction is quick and permanent kind of similar to dropping an Alka Seltzer tablet in a glass of water; after the fizzing stops the tablet is GONE!

mike
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Re: Cleaning tip

#3

Post by Sidecar »

Thanx for the tip King.
The last time I cleaned my squish pipe with chrome polish I thought my hand was gonna fall off. I just had my pipes and muffler ceramic coated silver. I like them a lot. Saved me from cleaning them this time !!! :-)
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Re: Cleaning tip

#4

Post by Cotten »

I find its a lot harder to clean the inside.

.....Cotten
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