Topic: Cleaning the White Crap off New Tire Sidewalls

[BobbyR]

I finally installed a new BT-45 I bought two years ago. They put some kind of protect ant on the sidewall. Damned if I can get it off. Everything works a little. Simple green, Alcohol, scrub brush.

[Dimitri13]

The blue stuff? I had to clean that stuff off cruisers all the time at work. Just get some whitewall scrub, a brush, and some elbow grease.

[jamesb]

krud kutter or grease lightning both of them are about the same i prefer krud kutter

[lucky]

The interesting part of this story was that the tire sat for TWO YEARS before you installed it.

That may have had something to do with removing that stuff.

[Dimitri13]

The interesting part of this story was that the tire sat for TWO YEARS before you installed it.

That may have had something to do with removing that stuff.

Whether they sat two years in the warehouse or his garage shouldn't make much of a different.

[Stev-o]

I believe that is release agent residue from the mold, and it is a pain to remove.

I read on here and used acetone on mine. I really like the BT45's I put on my K4.

[Dimitri13]

Stev-o, there's a coating on the white part to protect it from dirt and staining from the factory. The ones I've seen are blue, but I'm sure there's other colors out there.

[tomkimberly]

Most tires have a maximum shelf life of 6 years, so if your under that you should be OK. Removal of the protective coating can be done with MEK, or acetone. Don't forget to also "scrub" the thread face or you could find yourself slipping on a turn.


Tom

[Stev-o]

Stev-o, there's a coating on the white part to protect it from dirt and staining from the factory. The ones I've seen are blue, but I'm sure there's other colors out there.

Doubt Bobby has whitewalls...

[BobbyR]

Thanks fellas. I finally figured it out. As you get older the shoulders, wrists get less tolerant to hand scrubbing. I realized I could physically rub the crap off with my finger if I rubbed hard enough. I finally used a power washer to do my scrubbing for me. It peeled the stuff off. The tire is abut three years old on the date code. I always change my tires in pairs. I bought two tires due to this fun day I had: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=55672.0  I was just to lazy to change the front. In three years I will buy another pair.

[Really?]

Love having a power washer.  Just wished the one I have was not a Troy Bilt.

[onepieceatatime]

Love having a power washer.  Just wished the one I have was not a Troy Bilt.

Why not Troy Bilt?
Or is it a newer MTD Troy bilt? That would explain dislike for it.

[Stev-o]

Justvbo

Love having a power washer.  Just wished the one I have was not a Troy Bilt.

Just bought a Dewalt. 3200 psi....

[23tbucket]

I just cleaned up a white wall. Like you...some stuff worked a little bit...some not at all. Wife gave me her "Magic Eraser" to try.......wow!...easy as can be...remarkable stuff whatever is in it...got the whole tire looking like new in just a few minutes. Try it...you'll be amazed how well this stuff works. You still got to rinse it off after...it leaves kinda will-nots hanging to the rubber.

[Really?]

Love having a power washer.  Just wished the one I have was not a Troy Bilt.

Why not Troy Bilt?
Or is it a newer MTD Troy bilt? That would explain dislike for it.

I do not know if it is MTD related but I have had minimal luck with Troy Bilt.  I am not a fan of their products or customer support.  I have had to purchase parts and repair them myself while under warranty, they would not honor the warranty.  Support was very rude as well.

[Really?]

Justvbo

Love having a power washer.  Just wished the one I have was not a Troy Bilt.

Just bought a Dewalt. 3200 psi....

Bet that wasn't cheap.  The adapter to get to 3200psi may only be a very small stream but you can write your name in concrete with that one.

[lucky]

Internet says "charcoal lighter fluid on a rag" No scrubbing.