Coating on new 2012 stella

[Simon]

I noticed when I got my new Stella home there was a greenish yellow color coating on the bottom of the engine and on the center section of the tire rims. I tried to just use a wet rag but it will not come off. Has anybody elses scooter have this and if so how did you get it off?[/quote]

[Wild Handyman]

I tried a lot of different cleaners to try to remove the nasty yellowish looking preservative from the engine and wheels of my 2012 Stella 4T and wound up using aerosol brake cleaner to get the job done; my dealer lied and said it would wash right off. CAUTION: You must be very careful using brake cleaner because it is hell on paint.

Personally, it annoyed me a lot that the dealer did not remove that crap prior to delivery and then lied about how easy it was to remove. If I every buy another Genuine product I will specify that the dealer do a complete prep on the bike including removing the yellow gunk.

[Simon]

Thanks for the help. I will be careful not to hit the paint.

[BuddyRaton]

I would avoid brake cleaner. It doesen't play well with many metals....like engine cases.

I would suggest CRC electrical contact cleaner...someone suggested it here and it is the best degreaser I have used.

[ericalm]

It pretty much burns off eventually anyways, then leaves a nice "patina."

[Robbie]

That is Cosmoline.

The aluminum parts are coated (Brake drums, wheel hubs, engine cases) for protection during the ocean cruise.....otherwise the aluminum parts would be growing white wiskers when the crate is opened.

It comes off with gasoline (not recommended....but it works) or, with a bit of time and arm effort, WD-40 cuts it without fear of painted part damage.
I think the WD is the safest and it leaves a bit of anti corrosive behind.
CRC penetrant works just as well.

Same paint concerns using any brake cleaner.

Rob

[J33pman]

I used the Ron Swanson-approved Hoppe's No.9 powder solvent. One of the world's manliest smells: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/2 ... ly-smells/