Tar spots

[Cormanus]

Anyone have a simple but effective way of removing tar spots from wheels and mufflers and other bits of the bike?

 

[peterbaron]

Anyone have a simple but effective way of removing tar spots from wheels and mufflers and other bits of the bike?

I always use brake cleaner (free) on painted, chrome, mags and plastic automotive/bike surfaces.
Some plastics, mostly dark/black/porous may developed gentle whitish colour = treat with Armor All spray
If it is baked in on muffler = more difficult
Clear kerosene???
Always test prior applying

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

If the tar is not "too baked on" like on the wheel rims, then any of the following routinely works for me:

* Recordsol
* Varsol
* Kerosene
* WD-40 (but that would be a wasteful use)
* Windex (for light severity of the muck ... and as a finisher cleaner)

If really baked on, then you may need to consider "flaking it off", then using your favourite chrome cleaner/polisher.

 

[Lord Popgun]

WD-40 is what I use.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Kerosene works for me.

 

[baxtercat_imp]

WD-40 is what I use.

ditto

 

[Cormanus]

Thanks all.

peterbaron, what did you mean by 'free' brake cleaner?

 

[peterbaron]

Thanks all.

peterbaron, what did you mean by 'free' brake cleaner?

I get it free from work

 

[Cormanus]

Lucky chap.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Okay, that is just weird funny.

Note: Brake fluid (even the free stuff) can damage surfaces. Recordsol/kerosene etc. can be more forgiving.

 

[peterbaron]

Okay, that is just weird funny.

Note: Brake fluid (even the free stuff) can damage surfaces. Recordsol/kerosene etc. can be more forgiving.

Not brake fluid but brake cleaner, two different things

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Ah ya, my bad.

 

[the Ferret]

WD 40, single edge razor blade and 0000 steel wool

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

WD 40, single edge razor blade and 0000 steel wool

Sounds exactly right for those "bonded lumps of stain".

 

[Rocky_imp]

WD-40 is my go-to cleaner too.

 

[KiowaEagle_imp]

I would try mineral spirits, that's always my go to for removing tough things without damage. Used it for years in the flooring industry to remove adhesives including cutback adhesive which is tar based. As always though test it in an obscure spot first.

 

[Houtman_imp]

Mineral spirit is a very good dissolving agent , I use it often when having to get dried silicone of something.

 

[2017EX_imp]

My "go to" cleaner for anything petroleum based is Gojo creme hand cleaner. Mechanics have used this stuff for years to get grease and grime off their hands. It comes in a 28oz. white plastic tub with blue lettering, and contains NO abrasives. There is an orange version that DOES contain abrasives, and is NOT what you want so be aware of the difference between the two.

When the bike is cool, dab some on the spots to be removed and let sit for a few minutes. The Gojo will soften/dissolve the spots and will wipe off with a rag or paper towel. Thick spots may require a little encouragement to break up with a thumb nail. This stuff is also great for removing adhesives left behind from peeling off various stickers on all sorts of things, aside from being a great mechanics hand cleaner. A tub is usually about $4 at auto supply stores. It will not damage paint, clear coat, plastics, chrome, other metals, or your hands. I even use it to de-grease-de tar the rocker panels on our cars periodically.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Looking back through the posts in this thread, one theme appears certain:

Avoid acetone-based products.

I don't see anybody referencing associated products. They will haze and/or peel finished surfaces, as well as melt plastics.

 

[Houtman_imp]

Looking back through the posts in this thread, one theme appears certain:

Avoid acetone-based products.

I don't see anybody referencing associated products. They will haze and/or peel finished surfaces, as well as melt plastics.

Acetone is good for removing nail polish.....