Stoddards solvent (mineral spirits) for cleaning carb, chain, air filter etc
 

Taken directly from the manual:

(7) High-Flash Point Solvent
A high-flash point solvent is recommended to reduce fire danger. A commercial solvent commonly
available in North America is Stoddard solvent (generic name). Always follow manufacturer and container
directions regarding the use of any solvent.


The service manual recommends using high flash point solvent aka mineral spirits for cleaning the carb, fuel tank, air filter, and chain.

Is this pretty common practice and the best way to clean these items? For an o-ring chain that the o-rings are holding in grease and lube from the factory, wouldn't the mineral spirits penetrate and dissolve that grease and lubricant? I ordered a grunge brush off of Amazon and was just going to pick up some cheap mineral spirits to clean up everything.

Interesting. I just used some Yamaha carb cleaner that is safe for rubber etc to clean the carb on my Ninja. It is greasy and had to use a brake cleaner to get the goop off.

I use carb cleaner for the carb.
Kerosene for a deep cleaning of the chain, but usually simple green, garden hose and a scrub brush.
Gasoline keeps my fuel tank clean.
Dawn dish soap and warm water for the air cleaner.

Interesting, the DID site says to NOT use a soft brush to clean an o-ring or x-ring chain. I just bought a grunge brush. :confused:

http://www.didchain.com/chainMaintenance.html

I'm with ID^ on product use. (The lawyers are talking on the "high flash point" deal.)
I've used everything from old toothbrushes, fingernail scrub brushes, to parts brushes (nylon bristle) when cleaning a chain. Probably would stay away from a metal bristle (s/s, brass, etc.) just for O-ring safety.