I'm totally screwed. I f@@@ed up my wife's bike! : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

BrianK · 03-12-2009, 04:38 PM

Thought I'd do the wife a favor, sprayed some oven cleaner on warm exhaust pipes of her Nightster to clean off some baked on black spots.

It worked fine.

But I didn't notice some overspray had gotten the wrinkle-grey surfaces of the clutch/drive belt covers. It's discolored them, turned them almost black.

Can anyone suggest how, short of new covers, I can clean the ones I have (and check out of the dog house)?

Thanks - BrianK

hamyoo06 · 03-12-2009, 04:47 PM

Man, I feel for ya! Hopefully, she'll take the "it's the thought that coutns" approach after you tell her (that is, of course, if you tell her!).

Anyway, oven cleaner removes stuff. If the powder coat got removed, you need new covers. How many? Which ones?

For the future (if you have one!)

I use Turtle Wax Chrome Polish (http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,12) to clean anything melded to chrome. So far, it has CLEANED everything and anything I've had baked on the pipes, and doesn't hurt anything else. After the polish, I rinse (wet rag) and wax the spot.

Others, I'm sure, will have other suggestions (like steel wool).

Best of luck.

BrianK · 03-12-2009, 04:49 PM

Not in front of the bike at present but they're on the right side and cover the drive belt and other components.

Really doesn't look like it's removed or "eaten into" the powdercoat, but rather that it's "stained" it, if that makes any sense.

PS, yeah I use the very same stuff on pipes but occasionally resort to oven cleaner for really tough spots. But from now on I put something behind the pipes to prevent overspray from hitting the bike.

Thanks - BrianK

hamyoo06 · 03-12-2009, 04:52 PM

Well, if it's stained, maybe try WD-40 and a toothbrush.

Mr Cujo · 03-12-2009, 08:57 PM

Oven cleaner is generally a highly caustic product. Depending on the cleaner, an instant neutralizer of a light acid (vinegar is usually very handy around the house) will stop the process...but that window closed about 1-2 seconds after you got the oven cleaner on the surface.

Try as you might to 'clean' the area, rest assured it's already clean....right to the core.

You my friend, are almost certainly in the market for some covers, though some well matched touch up paint might hide it in the short term.

.

BrianK · 03-12-2009, 09:44 PM

Yep, I'm a-feared you're right.

Oh well, dog food is very nutritious, right?

FunkyNova66 · 03-12-2009, 09:47 PM

I'd say you're pretty much f#$cked. I say remove them and have them powder coated. It may be your cheapest solution.
Good luck!

BrianK · 03-12-2009, 09:51 PM

Yep, I think that's the only solution. Thanks folks.

Buddy Seat · 03-13-2009, 02:02 AM

I'd check with Hd & see if they have that grey wrinkle in a rattle can.

Cause to change the cam cover, you will need to pull off the rocker boxes first, to remove the pushrods, then the ignition. Then the cam cover can be removed.

The belt drive cover is east tho..

I'd try the easy way first.... Good luck man... **it happens..

20538 · 03-13-2009, 07:05 AM

on the positive side you'll never be cleaning her bike again.

strokerjlk · 03-13-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianK

Thought I'd do the wife a favor, sprayed some oven cleaner on warm exhaust pipes of her Nightster to clean off some baked on black spots.

It worked fine.

But I didn't notice some overspray had gotten the wrinkle-grey surfaces of the clutch/drive belt covers. It's discolored them, turned them almost black.

Can anyone suggest how, short of new covers, I can clean the ones I have (and check out of the dog house)?

Thanks - BrianK

LOL
Try as someone already suggested to get some oil back in it.
Maybe try S 100 engine brightener

But seriously man rule number 1
Always find a way for it to be her fault!
you should have posted before you told her!!
you stated (check out of dog house) so I assume you have already told her

So now it gets a little harder!
It's still doable but with your inexperience with convincing her that everything is her fault the task becomes harder!
If she bought the oven cleaner then maybe there is still hope!!
If it is foaming then tell her she should have bought non foaming.
If it isn't foaming tell her she should have bought foaming.
If you bought the cleaner instead of sending her to the store for it WELL....maybe there isn't any hope for you in the MAN IS ALWAYS RIGHT CLUB!!
Keep us posted..... and for GOD'S sake man... always remember nothing is your fault as long as your woman is around to take the blame!

ps whatever ya do dont wimp out and let her read this! O-GOTTA go hear comes my wife.........

BrianK · 03-14-2009, 08:53 PM

Thanks to everyone who offered advice and/or sympathy.

I went to the dealer's today and special-ordered a rattlecan of the wrinkle-grey paint that matches the parts. Should be here in a couple weeks and I'll mask the parts not to be painted and, um, "give it a shot."

PS, I told my parts guy what happened and he immediately said "Always spray the rag, not the pipes." Hey, where were you when I needed you....?!? But you can bet I won't forget that advice.

What can I say, my motto has always been to "tighten it 'til it strips then back off a quarter turn...."

nvsteve · 03-14-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strokerjlk

LOL
Try as someone already suggested to get some oil back in it.
Maybe try S 100 engine brightener

But seriously man rule number 1
Always find a way for it to be her fault!
you should have posted before you told her!!
you stated (check out of dog house) so I assume you have already told her

So now it gets a little harder!
It's still doable but with your inexperience with convincing her that everything is her fault the task becomes harder!
If she bought the oven cleaner then maybe there is still hope!!
If it is foaming then tell her she should have bought non foaming.
If it isn't foaming tell her she should have bought foaming.
If you bought the cleaner instead of sending her to the store for it WELL....maybe there isn't any hope for you in the MAN IS ALWAYS RIGHT CLUB!!
Keep us posted..... and for GOD'S sake man... always remember nothing is your fault as long as your woman is around to take the blame!

ps whatever ya do dont wimp out and let her read this! O-GOTTA go hear comes my wife.........

ChromeWelder · 03-14-2009, 09:56 PM

Buddy Seat · 03-15-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianK

I went to the dealer's today and special-ordered a rattlecan of the wrinkle-grey paint that matches the parts. Should be here in a couple weeks and I'll mask the parts not to be painted and, um, "give it a shot."

PS, I told my parts guy what happened and he immediately said "Always spray the rag, not the pipes." Hey, where were you when I needed you....?!? But you can bet I won't forget that advice.

Brian-

IMO: hindsight is always 20/20...

I paint a lot of motors.. And they look brand new when done..

Once you get the correct rattle-can paint, you'll fix it fine.

I'd wash that area very thoroughly to be sure to neutralize & remove any residue from that cleaner you used..

I would suggest covering all the screws on the covers. That really makes the finished product look like it should..

Take your time, light coats at first. & let it 'tack-up' so you don't get any runs in the paint.

PS: People that boast "they never make any mistakes" probably ain't doing much either...