Recommendations for Good/Safe Oil Cleaner?

I just fixed an oil leak from my generator on my Maxim-X (well, hopefully, initial signs are promising...but too early to declare victory).

But, now I need to clean off all the oil that seeped out and gradually migrated back along the bike. The oil covers a lot of different types of surfaces such as metal, painted, rubber, cables, chrome, etc.

Can anyone recommend a cleaner (or cleaning method) that's safe for all these surfaces? I don't have access to a power washer and I'm a little leary of them anyway. They can blast the paint right off if you're not careful.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Hi actually you do have access to a power washer but I agree you would need to be careful.

There has to be an easy way to clean it....

 

lacquer thinner and a toothbrush

 

metal parts: carb cleaner or other spray cleaner. rubber etc. WD-40 then rinse with soapy water. carb cleaner might work but thers a chance it could eat the rubber.

also, if you put a mild detergent soultion (dish soap/laundry detergent mixed with water) in one of those end of hose fertilizer sprayer bottles, you can get a high pressure soapy spray that souldnt harm your bike. rinse with plain water using sprayer attachment.

elbow grease always helps too.

 

Thanks everyone,

BTW to give credit where credit is due, bill (see post above) was a huge help in fixing this oil leak (again, crossing my fingers it's finally fixed before spiking the ball in the end zone).

I'm going to start with the suggestions above and see just how clean I can get it. If I reach something particularly stubborn I'll post again.

Hey moonfriedpotatoes, I've got a buddy that plans to ride through your state next summer. He's ridden all the 48 continental states except those in the upper Northwest. Any sites he should be certain to see in Montana?

 

recently i fixed an upper gasket leak on my honda, and to clean i used one of those hand held steam cleaners, and a spry bottle full of cleaner calle "simple green" mixed 50/50 w/water, it worked great for oil, grease, and the coolant, ps. it also took the fuel stains off the carburater bowls.

 

Will more than likely melt your plastics.

 

I'm a big fan of Simple Green myself -- strong enough to use as a degreaser, but won't harm paint, rubber, or plastics and it's even bio-degradable.

 

I'm personally a fan of that GUNK Engine Cleaner. Put on a warm engine, let it sit for 15 minutes and simply hose off. The gel foam works best for places where you're not wanting it to drip. If it's not too bad, a cleaner called Purple Power works wonders. Very strong cleaner and cheap too. Won't harm your paint.