Removing Tar Spots

[gbuckham]

Fed up with those pesky tar spots all over the cylinder heads and engine casing? Here’s my labour saving method of getting rid of them.

Wait until the bike has cooled – if you do this while the engine is hot, the WD40 dries up too quickly – then spray the offending areas (cylinder heads, exhaust, etc) with a liberal application of WD40.

Tip – spread some newspaper below the bike to catch the drips!

Leave for at least 5 minutes, or better 10, to allow the stuff to dissolve the tar. Big spots might need a helping hand with cotton buds or a small toothbrush.

Next, apply a liberal coating of de-greaser such as Muck-Off or similar. This will deal with the WD40 and tar residue.

Then, get the hose out and rinse down thoroughly. Use a stiff brush for the cylinder heads if required. Lastly wash the bike as normal.

Gary
www.ancient-stones.co.uk

 

[IanC]

I always use petrol. Dirt cheap really as well - what else you could buy for £1 a litre?

 

[John Armstrong]

I always use petrol. Dirt cheap really as well - what else you could buy for £1 a litre?

Wine in France, I have a rule of , don't buy wine that's cheaper than the petrol in pence / francs / groats whatever per litre.

 

[sproggy]

Autoglym do a very effective tar remover - I've found it far more effective than anything else and it doesn't smell as bad as petrol

 

[bmwrich58]

Most patroleum based products will work. Letting it "soak in" is the key.
Starting fluid sprayed on a rag and a little "elbow grease" also will help get the spots off the rims.

 

[dellybelly]

Like Sproggy, I use Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover - it's the dogs danglies

 

[Shep]

I had a total disaster with mine, I was passing a set of roadworks, when i rode over what, i had assumed was water, but was actually the tarry glue they spray on the road to stick the tarmac down, it went everywhere, just like water would if you rode through a puddle, while wd40 removed bits and bobs, the autoglym tar remover was brilliant, i'm still finding areas of tar now! but at least i can get it off now

Shep

 

[IanC]

...but was actually the tarry glue they spray on the road to stick the tarmac down, it went everywhere

No corrosion problems for you then!

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Then, get the hose out and rinse down thoroughly.

Gary
www.ancient-stones.co.uk

You're just gloating because you can still use hosepipes where you are! Down here, they're banned. So why do I still live here in the overcrowded South East? And, more importantly, why has Fatty Prescott just agreed an extra five million homes in Kent when there isn't enough water for the houses already here?

Sorry, rant over. Good tip, I've used it myself in the past. I now use Autoglym tar remover, but only because it was given to me as a present.

Robin.

 

[Chris iow]

Hose pipe ban

In the Southern Water area (where I live) there is indeed a hose pipe ban - but it is so daft as you can still use a hose pipe to wash your motorcycle but not your car.

There is some justice after all!

 

[Dave284]

I use white spirit on a rag and the spots come off easy.

What I have noticed, The tar spots apear on areas like the exhaust can after riding in heavy rain?

Why is that then?

 

[John Armstrong]

What I have noticed, The tar spots apear on areas like the exhaust can after riding in heavy rain?

Why is that then?

Loose bits that are flicked up and melt onto the nice warm exhaust. The other bits hit colder parts and don't melt or stick. possibly

 

[Dabba]

Always used WD40 for this - don't have petrol in cans. Following the tip though its the first time I've let it properly soak in (30 mins +) and it works so much better! Can't think why I haven't done it before.

Anyone else notice how Muc-off seems to do a reasonable job straight off and then when you come back a bit later it looks like someone polished it too. Seems to work whilst your back's turned. That kind of chemical reactions gotta be bad for the planet.