Like the vehicles themselves, the saying “good lubrication equals good riding” is bit of a classic too. And it still rings true: conscientious maintenance and care make historic vehicles reliable and safe. After the well-deserved winter break, it is now time to take those mobile cultural assets out of storage and get them fit for the new season. Some of the work can be carried out on your own – or better still, by an expert workshop.
Mild sunshine, mild temperatures and salt-free roads tempt you to make that first trip. It’s time for those who have conscientiously stored their collector’s vehicle over winter to reap the rewards. The following checklist shows you what you need to do, step by step, before turning the ignition key. It is also clear which products from the MOTOREX CLASSIC LINE can help you along the way. In most cases, vehicle owners are well aware of the needs of their vehicles from years of experience.
Depending on the vehicle's age, bearings and components, which are now permanently lubricated (as if by magic), are literally exposed to wind and weather. Wherever water, road dirt and other, often abrasive influences may affect moving parts, the top tip for lubrication is “often – and with moderation – is better than rarely and plenty”. This is why many user manuals contain a lubrication plan, and on-board tools may even include a compact grease gun. The following, often neglected lubrication points repay generous greasing with reduced wear and noise:
The MOTOREX TECHNICAL GREASES range also includes exactly the right lubricating grease for every application.
Leaf springs reliably perform millions of spring-related tasks over a vehicle’s lifetime. On assembly, they are pre-lubricated and often “packed” with splash protection. People then forget about them for years. Eventually, the springs call for a bit of attention when the rider hears unpleasant noises. BRAKE CLEAN dissolves grease and dirt, which makes it great for cleaning purposes. It is sprayed on at high pressure and dries quickly. Dirt and residues are dissolved and can be easily wiped off with a cloth – or preferably blown out with compressed air. Rust and flaky paintwork can be removed with a wire brush. It is then recommended to lubricate the spring (not under tension) with GREASE SPRAY. Thanks to the practical spray tube extension, the waterproof and extremely adhesive grease easily passes between the individual spring leaves.
Spoked wheels are like the diamond in a ring for many classic vehicles. But when was the last time you removed them? Most of the time, you only have to struggle with a wheel change after a flat tyre. That’s why it’s worth you or your trusted mechanic carrying out the following tasks: remove the wheels. Check the tyres (profile, age, sidewalls – including inside), clean and lubricate the wheel hubs (toothing and crown races). Balance if necessary. Install with correct torque. By the way, professionals now tend to opt for COPPER SPRAY or COPPER PASTE for lubrication purposes, rather than grease. The copper particles they contain have excellent lubricating properties and, unlike conventional lubricating grease, do not flow onto the polished rim well at high temperatures and centrifugal forces.
Lubricating and caring for keys and the associated ignition, door and, possibly, fuel locks are often forgotten. With little effort and the handy INTACT MX 50 200 mL spray, amazing “before and after” results can be achieved: It’s also worth taking a look under the cover of the fuse holder. Safety fuses can oxidise at contact points over winter due to high humidity. In next to no time, cleaning and dosed spraying, of both fuses and holder, with INTACT MX 50 eliminates contact problems. The battery and ignition system are among the main sources of faults. Always keep the battery clean and as dry as possible. On installation, battery poles and terminals should always be treated with an acid-free protective spray such as ACCU PROTECT. Spraying the distributor with JOKER 440 dielectric (electrically separating) spray protects against creepage currents and ignition failures.
During checks, the focus is usually on whether filling levels are too low. For example, engine oil should always be checked on the flat with a lint-free cloth and when the engine is warm. Ideally, a filling level between the MIN (minimum) and MAX (maximum) markings is ideal. Neither marking should ever be undershot or exceeded. The latter may occur, for example, when motor oil becomes dangerously diluted with fuel. Short trips, modern fuels, excessive wear or faulty crankcase ventilation may cause this. In cases such as these, you should contact a specialist workshop. They are also your point of contact for MOTOREX lubricants and care products – developed and manufactured in Switzerland for your beloved classic vehicle.
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