Big Flapper Posted June 15, 2021 Report Share Posted June 15, 2021 I was cleaning the belly of my "New Plane" the other day and I noticed a faint tan stain on the belly coming from the exhaust pipe area. What is the best/easiest way to remove this? My plane is a 2008 model and doesn't use any oil to speak of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennM Posted June 15, 2021 Report Share Posted June 15, 2021 I used NuFinish wax and it came right off. I don't get that stain now that I use 94UL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skunkworks85 Posted June 15, 2021 Report Share Posted June 15, 2021 I also us a high quality wax, that removes the stain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FastEddieB Posted June 15, 2021 Report Share Posted June 15, 2021 Popular among Cirrus owners is Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner. It does warn that it’s not for painted surfaces, but seems to do no harm if sprayed on and wiped back off fairly quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS Bruce Posted June 15, 2021 Report Share Posted June 15, 2021 I got this for my CTLS because it’s safe. But, I now use it everywhere. Mix it rich (3:1) for exhaust on your plane belly. Leaner for other cleaning. https://simplegreen.com/downloads/TDS_EN-US_SimpleGreenExtremeAircraftPrecisionCleaner.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted June 16, 2021 Report Share Posted June 16, 2021 I use Aero Gloss polish. They have been using it around the airport here for probably 40 years or more. They used it for cleaning windshields among other things, but I don't se it for that any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Flapper Posted June 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2021 Thanks for all the suggestions, better to learn from experience than doing all the research myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted June 16, 2021 Report Share Posted June 16, 2021 I have some oil stain streaks on the belly that have resisted all attempts at complete removal. I don't have to look at them unless I'm under the airplane, so I guess I will live with it. I might try some of these suggestions though. I have tried "Oil Eater" cleaner, it generally works well but not this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrassStripFlyBoy Posted June 16, 2021 Report Share Posted June 16, 2021 For what's worth, I've been using those blue paper shop towels, drain some gas from the sump, and this cleans the belly up nice - probably about every 50 hours this is done. Then follow up with the composite clean brand spray wax to slick up the surface. Whatever you choose to clean with, extend all that hard work by adding some wax back on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted June 17, 2021 Report Share Posted June 17, 2021 Some of the staining on the gelcoat is not removable. The surface of the plane has some porosity. If you catch staining fluids right away many times it wipes right of. Left long enough it penetrates the surface and can't be removed. It might be lightened some, but won't all come out. Don't get too carried away and cause damage. If the polish doesn't take care of it fairly easily don't try to go deep into the gelcoat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Flapper Posted June 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2021 Thanks Roger, in other words, don't make a bigger mess than I have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted June 21, 2021 Report Share Posted June 21, 2021 Gasoline is actually a fantastic cleaner! It's surprising how well it works. Mineral spirits work well too for cutting exhaust stains. Keep up a wax coating in that area and it makes it easy to clean in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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