I wouldn't mess with acids or chemicals to clean off mud, thats water soluble isn't it? My next winter purchase is a new (or used) 3500 psi pressure washer, gas powered. None of this store bought electric junk, going after a heavy duty industrial machine. Don't need a steam cleaner, just direct hot water from a hot water tank at that pressure will take off all the grimy stuff.

 

SWAC1 when your using the presser washer try to keep it away from any electric area or the carb, anything thats bearinged too. Those areas are volnerable to water seepage.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

 

I use the 3500 psi that we have at work, man what machine... We use it to remove barnacles and other marine growth - underwater. These things have a million and one uses. If you get one you'll be the most popular guy in the neighborhood, everyone will want to borrow it.

 

Get a pressured water sprayer (Karcher like). f it has water warmer and a soap reservoir (which means it sprays hot soapy water at hundreds of psi). Nothing resists. 10 year old greasy engine came out like new. The HOT feature is important more than soap.

 

Zorro how much does this cost, I want to get one.
Theres been more than one time that my scrambler needed a cleaning system to remove caked on grease.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

 

When pressure washing your machines, be careful not to directly spray the chains. The pressure from the washer will penetrate past the o-rings of the chain and ruin them.

Also, don't use any kind of acids or high base solvents of any kind on your machine. I work in a chemical plant and have seen some pretty nasty reactions to certain kinds of metals when these types of solutions are used in an attempt to clean them. Aluminum is very sensitive to these types of solutions. If it generates alot of heat when mixed with water (put some Tide on your hand and slowly add water to it), I would be leary of using very much of it on my quad. A good dish washing liquid (Dawn) is what I use to wash my quad with and follow up with WD-40 on the entire engine compartment and chains to remove (displace) moisture. WD-40 will also evaporate to a certain degree and will not damage o-rings or plastics.

 

I have found that SIMPLE GREEN, emulsifies engine grease and grime very well. I use it to clean up 35 year old Mustang engine compartments. It is bio-degradeable, has a nice fragrance and easy to work with.

 

I agree with the WD40. Spray before you ride. It helps on the M/X track.