Author Topic: simple green (Read 3674 times)

76 cb550 · « **on:** March 13, 2008, 01:05:39 PM »

what can't I clean with simple green

what is the best thing to clean carbs with...I've heard carb cleaner is for a running engine. Starter fluid seems to be the thing to use but I thought I'd ask

Gordon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:12:12 PM »

I'm confused... Why can't you use the simple green? $:-\$

Fuel additive carb cleaner is for a running engine, but you can also get carb cleaner that's meant for manual cleaning, too.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:32:52 PM »

you can use simple green

who said you couldn't? tell em to go to hell because simple green rules the school
-KK

Geeto67 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:32:59 PM »

simple green is corrosive to aluminum, you should dilute it and rinse it off fast (don't let it sit) if you plan to clean aluminum honda parts with it.

c_kyle · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:43:22 PM »

Quote from: Geeto67 on March 13, 2008, 01:32:59 PM

simple green is corrosive to aluminum, you should dilute it and rinse it off fast (don't let it sit) if you plan to clean aluminum honda parts with it.

I didn't know that. I've been using it to clean lots of stuff, including aluminum heads, manifolds, wheels, etc for a long time. I believe you, I just have never seen any adverse effects from using it full strength, other than it makes me cough if i breathe it in after spraying it.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:45:34 PM »

just cuz its nontoxic (?) dont underestimate it- Bob did some experiments with it and it will eat paint and possibly even metal given enough time. just rinse it off.
-KK

greenjeans · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2008, 01:52:50 PM »

It will discolor float bowls if left in there for too long...but they will be clean

Ecosse · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:10:32 PM »

Wow, learn something every day! I use that stuff for everything; thanks for the tip.

eldar · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:43:10 PM »

I guess I never leave anything long enough. 20 minutes should be fine though.

Gordon · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:47:14 PM »

While the warnings about simple green on aluminum are good advice, keep in mind it only causes problems when the parts are soaked over a good period of time. You should have no problems using it on the carbs or engine as long as you rinse it off, but then you'd do that with any cleaning/degreasing product.

dustyc · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:50:16 PM »

I think some are misreading. It sounds like he's saying "What can't I clean with simple green?"(actually that's exactly what he wrote except for the question mark) -like he's cleaned so many things that carbs are just another thing in the list.

-Unless I'm misreading what everyone wrote. I did just wake up from a nap(no GHOF jokes please).

Somewhere I read it removes chrome. Is that right? Or am I thinking of something else. I was reading on a gun forum people were using it to clean guns and I thought about the chrome bores being hurt by it. Maybe that's something not to clean with it.

Gordon · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:56:34 PM »

Quote from: dustyc on March 13, 2008, 02:50:16 PM

I think some are misreading. It sounds like he's saying "What can't I clean with simple green?"(actually that's exactly what he wrote except for the question mark) -like he's cleaned so many things that carbs are just another thing in the list.

That's how I read it, too, which is why I'm confused. He's touting the many uses of simple green, and then asks what to clean the carbs with. That's why I asked "why can't you use the simple green?".

Perhaps we'll never know. $:-\$

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2008, 03:27:51 PM »

Quote from: dustyc on March 13, 2008, 02:50:16 PM

Somewhere I read it removes chrome.

I had heard the same thing. I can vouch for the fact that it won't. I had some ratty chromed covers from a spare engine. I left it soaking full strength for days and it had no affect. It is a good paint remover for certain kinds of paint, such a rattle can or enamels, can't speak to any other paint formulations. The paint removal, provided it is the right type of paint, would be handy on plastics. I tested it on an old side cover that had been spray painted black. Worked great on carbs and you have to leave it in quite a while, well past a reasonable period, if you're just cleaning carbs to lead to discoloring. As noted though, a good rinsing afterward is in order.

76 cb550 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2008, 08:08:19 PM »

Sorry shoulda checked back on this thread earlier.

I'm a simple green virgin but I've heard it's excellent stuff. I've got a gallon bottle of it just waiting for me to tear back into the bike and start cleaning.

I was asking if there was anything on the bike that I should not clean with simple green...I'm sure there is. For example the master cylinder. I don't think it would be a good idea to clean that out with simple green...then again I don't know. Which is why I asked. (what should I clean it with? brake fluid?)

It says it's for cleaning aluminum on the bottle so I'm not too worried about it pitting or harming the aluminum...as long as I rinse.

Ok so my questions are

1. Is there anything on the bike that I should avoid cleaning with simple green?

2. Is simple green the BEST thing to clean carbs with?

3. Are there places on the bike that I should use a more dilute mixture of simple green?

Klark Kent · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2008, 11:05:36 PM »

i did read it wrong-

clean everything with simple green, if it disinterates replace it with something that wont because simple green is the almighty lord our savior in the form of a degreaser. shower with it. dab it behind your ears before an important date. repeat after me- simple green is made for people.
-KK

Steve F · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2008, 04:25:55 AM »

Quote from: Geeto67 on March 13, 2008, 01:32:59 PM

simple green is corrosive to aluminum, you should dilute it and rinse it off fast (don't let it sit) if you plan to clean aluminum honda parts with it.

+1

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2008, 04:48:50 AM »

It will (can) stain paint. I have a discoloration on a sidecover from not rinsing right away.

Of course, that might have something to do with the PO's rattlecan job. I'm gonna have to do something about that sometime...

spwg

Geeto67 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2008, 07:47:46 AM »

simple green did make an aluminum safe formula for a while. I say did because nobody local to me carries it and it is not on their website so I just assumed it went out of production. If you have the aluminum safe stuff then go to town with just about everything on your bike - yes even your master cylinder (after you have disassembled it).

76 cb550 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2008, 09:32:13 AM »

Glad to hear it guys. I wouldn't mind a few more opinions on this. If there are people reading this thread and not posting because they agree completely with everything that's been said then please post. a simple "+1 clean everything" would be great...shoulda made this a poll=)

Gordon · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2008, 10:11:52 AM »

Quote from: 76 cb550 on March 14, 2008, 09:32:13 AM

Glad to hear it guys. I wouldn't mind a few more opinions on this. If there are people reading this thread and not posting because they agree completely with everything that's been said then please post. a simple "+1 clean everything" would be great...shoulda made this a poll=)

I use Simple Green for general degreasing and engine cleaning jobs, and typically use it just before washing the rest of the bike so it all gets rinsed off.

Other parts-cleaning products I use are:

Berryman's Chem-Dip. Nasty stuff, smells like formaldehyde, and probably at least as toxic. Wear chemical-resistant gloves when using. It's the best I've found for super tough jobs. I use it only for soaking parts and then return the liquid to the container for re-use. It removes everything but the metal.

Aerosol carb cleaner. Good for quick cleaning in hard to reach spots, especially when you don't want to, or need to disassemble the carbs for a soaking. Also good for shooting into the tiny fuel passages in the carb bodies, followed by compressed air.

Aerosol brake cleaner. Good for what it's made for... Brakes. Washes off brake dust and other dirt then evaporates quickly and doesn't leave any residue.

WD-40. One of the best parts cleaners/ degreasers around. Is your rear rim covered with filthy grease from the chain? Spray some on a shop rag or paper towel, spin the wheel and apply the rag. Instant shiny rim! It also leaves a very thin oily layer that keeps dirt and grease from sticking as well, and makes the next cleaning even easier.

pdxPope · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:10:28 AM »

Quote

repeat after me- simple green is made for people.

Wait, I thought Simple Green WAS people........

-JP

dustyc · « **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:18:33 AM »

Quote from: pdxPope on March 14, 2008, 11:10:28 AM

Quote
repeat after me- simple green is made for people.

Wait, I thought Simple Green WAS people........

-JP

You're thinking Soylent Green. Easy mistake.

Geeto67 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:48:27 AM »

mmmmmmmm......soylent green.....<homer-esque style gurgling noise>

pdxPope · « **Reply #23 on:** March 14, 2008, 06:10:53 PM »

Quote

You're thinking Soylent Green. Easy mistake.

So THATS why Charleton Heston won't return my phone calls........
I feel like such a tool.

-JP

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #24 on:** March 14, 2008, 07:35:49 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on March 14, 2008, 10:11:52 AM

Quote from: 76 cb550 on March 14, 2008, 09:32:13 AM

Other parts-cleaning products I use are:

Berryman's Chem-Dip. Nasty stuff, smells like formaldehyde, and probably at least as toxic. Wear chemical-resistant gloves when using. It's the best I've found for super tough jobs. I use it only for soaking parts and then return the liquid to the container for re-use. It removes everything but the metal.

That stuff is no joke. I bought a 1 gallon can a while back that has a little basket in it. Just drop stuff into the basket and come back 20 minutes later. Did a job on my carbs. Just look:

dustyc · « **Reply #25 on:** March 14, 2008, 08:07:46 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on March 14, 2008, 10:11:52 AM

That stuff is no joke. I bought a 1 gallon can a while back that has a little basket in it. Just drop stuff into the basket and come back 20 minutes later. Did a job on my carbs. Just look:

No joke at all. It'll eat your skin off. And it'll damage the metal if left in too long. I planned on painting that set black anyway. (aka -I meant to do that.

)

News:

Author Topic: simple green (Read 3674 times)

76 cb550

eldar

76 cb550

76 cb550