Making the kart look nice is one thing..... there is another reason to 'clean' the kart!
If you clean each component by hand, you will be forced to run your hands over every thing. In that way, you'll be able to feel things that have become loose, bent, worn etc..
Secondly, any damage hidden by dirt and grime will be exposed to your view.
Thirdly, dirt tends to keep water pressed against components. This promotes rust and other corrosions. Removing the dirt removes thne water, too.
Fourthly; in moving components, dirt will make things wear faster, e.g., steering ball joints, axle bearings, pedal hinges, etc.. Cleaning these improves the life of components. However..... be CERTAIN that you re-grease/oil those things that SHOULD be greased/oiled after you've cleaned them.
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The single MOST useful tool for this job is the COMPRESSOR. It can get into places where the other cleaning tools cant. Use something like 'Jizer' in a spray gun connected to the compressor. Spray it, agitate with a stiff brush and then BLOW off the Jizer. It's tempoting to use water to wash it off BUT this can get into thyings which do NOT like water.... e.g., oil seals, bearings, ball joints, etc.. so, unless you are goiung to hand-dry EVERY compionent..... DON'T wash it!
If you don't have a compressor, Jizer (or equivalent) and ans a stiff paintbrush will do the job. Do NOT use PETROL..... it's just too dangerous and not at all good for your lungs, etc..
After tyou've used Jizer (however you use it) clean it ALL OVER with good cloth. Go to Halfords and buy a roll of 'stockingette' and cut it into small squares, ready for use. The act of cleaning will let you find all the problems.
Then re-oil/grease/WD40 all those components that need those things so that the bare metal is sheilded from the air/water to stop corrosion.
Works teams will TOTALLY dismantle the kart and rebuild it, cleaned and prepared. Good ones re-measure all the components to check for wear/damage. That's the 'ideal' way but they will then replace ANYTHING that shows any sign of wear! That's NOT cheap! It's still the PERFECT way bto do these things!
Finally, if you 'must'...... you can polish the painted metal with car-polish, polish the chrome with chrome cleaner, the plastic with plastic cleaner, etc.. You can find all those products by searching the web.... but that is just about looking 'flash' and NOTHING to making the kart faster, more reliable or safer! And THAT's why you are racing...
.... it AIN'T a fashion parade! You don't win cups for looking pretty!
Ian
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Kart maintenance by 'Olly3194' (22 Feb 2011 @ 13:35)
