BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Phil C on 25 May, 2020, 15:20

Title: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: Phil C on 25 May, 2020, 15:20
When you've just spilt a tank full of oil all over your Oxford bike mat (rubber bottomed, thankfully) - STOP SNIGGERING AT THE BACK THERE! -  what's a good way of getting the oil out of the mat? Preferably without staining the surface underneath the mat.  Someone else must have been a complete idiot in the past?

Phil
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: chaz on 25 May, 2020, 15:31
cant justify a mat like that but have a couple of ex works Berendsen ones, keep servicing bikes and hitting bowls over or dropping sump bolts in. a Vax wash and cleaner works, but might take of goes
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: Bess on 25 May, 2020, 18:56
Hi Phil,
          Try GUNK engine degreaser, apply and rinse off with a water hose. If you've never used it, it's a powerful degreaser and gentle enough to leave the bristles on your mat.

Best wishes...
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: Phil C on 25 May, 2020, 19:01
I wonder if might then stain the surface it is sitting on when you degrease it. 

You know when you wish you could turn the clock back...

Phil
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: Mike40M on 25 May, 2020, 19:26
I usually apply a lot of sawdust to get rid of most of the oil. Maybe the sawdust could be sprayed with some kerosene first.
Working with hydraulics now and then. So oil spills is the norm.
How to get rid of the remaining oil, I don't know. Had a similar accident on a race last year. Had to throw away the pit map eventually.
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: courtney on 25 May, 2020, 20:58
Oh dear, what a kerfuffle!

I can't help, so this is a bit of a useless reply (sorry!), but I once had an engine in the back of the car that toppled over and soaked my girlfriend's down jacket with what oil was still inside. Straight in the washing machine with a load of powder and it came out looking a bit sorry for itself, all limp and saggy (ooer), albeit clean. Fortunately, the feathers puffed up when it dried and I got away with it, unlike her woollen tights that stretched to 6 foot long after I hand-washed them....
Title: Re: Bit of a catastrophe
Post by: idie on 25 May, 2020, 21:33
Use cement powder that will get in to all parts and absorb the oil then wash off. Use plenty of water unless you want a slab for the garden.