It sounds like that works the same way as the other stuff. It was pretty cool to see it work. You brush on this watery milky looking stuff and the rust turns black in a second.

 

Thank you everyone for your inputs!

Any recommendations on paint to go over the Ospho coating?

What do you usually coat and paint on the underbody? Disassemble required?

Would applying Ospho coating to the exhaust components be ok - it doesn't look like it would burn off like paint?

Thanks again!

 

I like to spray all exposed steel parts with Rust-oleum Truck Bed Coating . If I see any bare metal, I'll wire wheel and spray some more. Spray a silicone protectant over any electrical connections. Instead of a power washer, try a car washer attachment that fits on a garden hose, use the car wash/wax. Soap it up, hit with a fine brush, then wash off. Keeps a protective film on everything. I run a K&N filter and clean and oil it often. Blackstone Lab tests my oil at every change. Here's a test result of a 500 mile change. If you want to paint the exhaust, VHT header paint. BTW, for the wash/wax solution, I like "Rain X" and "Blue Coral"

 

Thank you for everyone's replies!

Below is consolidation of your suggestions and other tidbits from ATV maintenance guides :-)


Upon acquiring an ATV:
- Start a log book for each individual ATV
- This log book will hold all service, maintenance and operator observation logs of each vehicle.
- With the use of an ATV lift or jack and jack stands
- Raise the ATV and wash and scrub the entire underside with a car wash hose attachment and dish soap. Hot water is preferable
- After making sure the entire underside is clear of oil, grime, dirt, etc – allow it to air dry with aid of box fans
- Check for rust, if it looks like deep surface rust or worst, polish that section with a wire brush and try to remove as much as possible
- Apply Ospho based metal treatment/coating to all underside metal components (and possibly other areas known to rust out)
- Apply spray truck liner paint over the cured Ospho coating on the frame and other components that do not get hot (multiple coats recommended)
- Apply VHT header paint over the cured Ospho coating for the exhaust system and other components that get hot.
- Install Grease Zerks/fittings on all underbody areas where there are seals, bearing, bushings, etc – install them so they cannot catch on anything and not near hot components
- Check oil, air filter (add on pre filter if possible), electrical/battery connections and original grease fittings
- Spray silicone protectant over all electrical connections
- Wash the entire ATV (underbody especially) with carwash attachment and wash & wax carwash solution (ie Rain X, Blue coral, etc) to give the underbody a protective film over everything
- Fill with Rec Fuel (no ethanol) or regular fuel (E10) with fresh additive (ie sea foam, sta-bil marine forumla, etc)

Daily Maintenance / After each run:
- Reviews operator/driver log for any anomalies and files it in the log book
- Put ATV on the lift or jack stands
- Rinse the entire ATV (underbody as well) with the carwash attachment (hot water preferred)
- Wash the underside with (if possible the entire ATV) with the carwash attachment and wash & wax carwash solution
- Allow Air Dry with box fans
- Fill with Rec Fuel (no ethanol) or regular fuel (E10) with fresh additive (ie sea foam, sta-bil marine forumla, etc)
- Attach blank operator log on clipboard to the ATV
- Put away in dehumidified shipping container

Weekly Maintenance:
- Put ATV on the lift or jack stands
- Rinse the entire ATV (underbody as well) with the carwash attachment (hot water preferred)
- Allow Air Dry with box fans
- Inspect the underside (sides, top and engine bay if time allows) for corrosion – Goes through checklist
- If corrosion found, sand/polish the area if possible, then apply ospho coating and paint
- Wash the entire ATV with the carwash attachment and wash & wax carwash solution
- Allow Air Dry with box fans
- Fill with Rec Fuel (no ethanol) or regular fuel (E10) with fresh additive (ie sea foam, sta-bil marine forumla, etc)
- Attach blank operator log on clipboard to the ATV
- Put away in dehumidified shipping container
- Files checklist and notes into log book

Monthly Maintenance:
- Put ATV on the lift or jack stands
- Rinse the entire ATV (underbody as well) with the carwash attachment (hot water preferred)
- Allow Air Dry with box fans
- Inspect the underside (sides, top and engine bay if time allows) for corrosion & wear – Goes through checklist
- If corrosion found, sand/polish the area if possible, then apply ospho coating and paint
- Change the oil
- Check the air filter (If replacement needed, Cotton gauze filters perform better in sandy enviroments)
- Check the tires
- Check the Grease fittings, add grease if necessary
- Inspect electrical connections and apply silicone spray
- Wash the entire ATV with the carwash attachment and wash & wax carwash solution
- Allow Air Dry with box fans
- Fill with Rec Fuel (no ethanol) or regular fuel (E10) with fresh additive (ie sea foam, sta-bil marine forumla, etc)
- Attach blank operator log on clipboard to the ATV
- Put away in dehumidified shipping container
- Files checklist and notes into log book

Optional - Quarterly or Bi Annual - Oil Inspection
- Send oil to lab to get inspected for anomalies ($28) -- Blackstone Labs
- Sample Report: Gas Engine Sample Report 1

Shipping container:
- Make as water tight and if possible mostly airtight with fill ins, paint and seals
- Install a dehumidifier with a hose attachment to the outside
- This will be costly to run – suggest keeping a “control group” in current conditions and observe if this has an appreciable effect on the lifespan of the ATV
- Look for water leaks when parking ATVs
- Inspect shipping container seals weekly/monthly



Products mentioned:
ATV lift: 1500 lb. Capacity ATV / Motorcycle Lift
Car Wash attachment Brush: Ospho Coating: Ospho Rust Treatment - Since 1947
New Por 15 Rust Preventive Semi Gloss Black Quart | eBay

VHT Header Paint: Grease Zerks: