Rookie here - looking for cleaning tips and tricks

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

Hi all. I'm just getting into karting and I've picked up a used CRG Kalifrnia kart. The kart has been sitting in a garage for the past two years and is fairly dirty. I'm looking for advice in cleaning up the kart - what cleaners to use and what to avoid. I'm really going to focus on the chassis first so I can go over kart and evaluate where I need to spend money. So things I'm interested in finding out:

- cleaners and tricks for the frame, spindles, and plastics.
- cleaners and lubricants for axle, bearings, steering, etc.
- Any common mistakes rookies should avoid as far as specific cleaners and/or lubricants.

Not looking to get into cleaning up the Rotax engine yet. I'm going to get the chassis sorted first and I'll look for advice on the Rotax in a month or so when I get to that.

Thanks in advance! And I've really enjoyed the forums in leanring about karting and helping me make a choice in what to buy.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:57 am Post subject:

Buy a gallon of WD40, spray bottle, and blue paper towel you find in the automotive section at stores. This can be used to clean everything on kart but maybe bodywork.

For bodywork I use Plexus.
For lube of bearings Tri-Flow.
For chains its up to you. I like Motul.
Use brake cleaner on brake disc and to clean engine. Watch over spray, not nice on frame chassis and other parts.

If you want to learn about taking care of Rotax. Buy video "Wrench to win". I think thats what its called. GREAT for Rotax beginners

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

Thanks Jeff for the list. I see WD40 mentioned alot as an overall cleaner. Also thanks for the movie tip. I looked into it and its called "Rotax How To Guide" from Wrench2win.com.
Cool

Anyone else have some tips for cleaning up a used kart in need of a little TLC?

Mike Goebel · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

This stuff is awesome for cleaning sticker kits, chassis paint and just about anything that needs to shine. Then hit it with a coat of wax after.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+A3016

Mike G.

jeff grose · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:39 pm Post subject:

we always take a mixture of mineral spirits/marvel mystery oil and spray down the entire chassis with a compressed air engine cleaner, remove the chain and clean it and place it into a bucket of 30/40 wt oil to soak before we use it again, we clean the bodywork with a good commercial cleaner
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#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
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Ron Gordon · Joined: 27 Dec 2009 Posts: 150

Eric,

Depending on your time frame for getting in the kart, the best way to truly give the kart a good cleaning and be able to check out the frame for any hidden defects (cracked/broken welds, bad bearings, ect.) I would suggest you tear the kart down to the frame and go from there.

I have found Simple Green to be an excellent all around cleaner for the kart frame & bodywork. then a light coat of WD40 after cleaning.

Check all your bearings for free movement/spin after a good cleaning and relube with tri-flow or a good bearing grease (your choice,this is a much debated subject on here and it doesn't belong on this thread), if not replace them if you have any doubt about them at all.(be careful removing the bearing shields so you can repace them after cleaning them)

As for your chain, I use a good chain cleaner (sold at most motorcycle shops), hang the chain up over a bucket and give it a good spray several times until clean, after you put it back on use a good chain lube on it, I like Chain Wax (also sold in spray cans at most motorcycle shops) as it penetrates the chain and rollers good when you spray it on and when it dries it helps it stay on chain and not sling off on the kart and your back.

Now put it all back together, take pictures as you disassemble the kart to help with the reassembly if need be....

Now, not only will you have a clean kart when you get done, you will have a kart that you know everything about from top to bottom, bolt to bolt, having the assurance that there are no hidden problems that will bite you during that great race you are having.

Good luck and Welcome to the World of Karting....The most fun a person can have 1" off the ground....

Ron
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and OVKA Kid Kart Director

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

More good tips guys and I really appreciate it.

Just to let everyone know, my plan is to dissasemble and rebuild the karts over this summer and maybe get them on track once or twice in September (yes, I found two karts at a great price). Then spend next summer running them regularly and getting to know them on track. I'm daytrip driving distance to VIR and Carolina Motorsports Park, so thats where I plan on running them.

I'm taking delivery of the karts next week. So I'm getting together supplies this week. One kart was left with fuel mix in the tank. So I'm assuming after two summers the carb will need to be throughly cleaned and fuel lines replaced. What about the fuel tank with the sitting fuel? Any special tips for cleaning it inside and out?

Oh, and the reason I'm staying away from engine-specific advice is that I'll post questions when I get to that in the Rotax section.

The replies so far have been a very nice welcome for me here. Thanks!

Mike Goebel · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

I hate WD40 for cleaning!

Mike G.

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

Spencer Uzri · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 798

jeff grose · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:51 pm Post subject:

WD40 is always good to spray down a kart after wet competition
_________________
jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
Driver: Jesse Grose
Remember: "No matter where you go,there you are"

Colin McGinnis · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject:

AJAX and KartBee Clean
Cheap, Environment safe, and Cleans better then anything else

Parts Wash takes paint off
Simple Green takes the shine off
WD40 just moves the grease around

John Denman · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:37 pm Post subject:

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121