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Preventative Measures Before Going To The Dunes


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I'm getting ready to go out next weekend and was thinking about all I need to do to get ready. What do you all do to get ready and to prevent the onslaught of the sand getting in every crack and how to make it easier to clean up afterwards? Last time I went I didn't have any problems except for some sand in the fuel and no filter, I have a filter now so that should eliminate that issue. I'm changing my carb boot tomorrow, this one's starting to crack, not too bad, but that's the last thing I need right now.

 

My main concerns are making it easier to clean when I get back and what to do to keep it from getting into the motor and what preventative measures do you take to ensure your machine will stay running perfect for the whole duration your there.

 

Later.

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It stays clean by itself. Sand is not like mud, it will wash off no problem when you get back.

Use a wax for your chain, not lube, sand will stick to lube.

Clean your air filter before and after.

Sand get into the motor???? Don't fill your tank if there is a sand storm and keep your filter on. Unless you have other stuff messed up, sand can't get into the motor.

 

I don't do anything out of the ordinary and have been going to the dunes every other week for 3 years.

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Thanks, Lincster. I don't get to the dunes too often, maybe three or four times a year, but this year I'm gonna try to get there once a month or every 6 weeks.

 

After I went last time, I had some sand caked up in around the motor and had a hard time getting it out when I got back. Not sure why it was sticking up in there. I didn't have any problems, just that I didn't have an inline filter last time and, like I said before, got some sand in my fuel and clogged my pilot. I had it cleaned in about five minutes (thanks to my single carb). That's taken care of now, and it was blowing quite a bit the second day I was there and I filled up that day, so that might have contributed also.

 

I'll be sure to clean her really good before I leave so I have a clean engine area for no sand to stick to. That's probably why it was sticking, cause there was a film of dirt, or something a little oily. My motor's sealed fine and runs fine, no leaks. I'm going to change my carb boots as they are getting a little dry and starting to crack a little. I hear you on the chain, I use Chain Wax, and I'm going to try the Honda stuff this time since I've heard so many good things, but I like my Chain Wax pretty well.

 

Thanks again.

Scott

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Thanks, Lincster.  I don't get to the dunes too often, maybe three or four times a year, but this year I'm gonna try to get there once a month or every 6 weeks. 

 

After I went last time, I had some sand caked up in around the motor and had a hard time getting it out when I got back.  Not sure why it was sticking up in there.  I didn't have any problems, just that I didn't have an inline filter last time and, like I said before, got some sand in my fuel and clogged my pilot.  I had it cleaned in about five minutes (thanks to my single carb).  That's taken care of now, and it was blowing quite a bit the second day I was there and I filled up that day, so that might have contributed also.

 

I'll be sure to clean her really good before I leave so I have a clean engine area for no sand to stick to.  That's probably why it was sticking, cause there was a film of dirt, or something a little oily.  My motor's sealed fine and runs fine, no leaks.  I'm going to change my carb boots as they are getting a little dry and starting to crack a little.  I hear you on the chain, I use Chain Wax, and I'm going to try the Honda stuff this time since I've heard so many good things, but I like my Chain Wax pretty well.

 

Thanks again.

Scott

You might want to invest in some simple green. That shit works well at taking the sandy/oily grit off from behind the sprocket and under the engine that accumilates for some reason.

Cheap tire dressing works well too.

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Scott I would say the single biggest thing to keep an eye on is the air filter set-up and making sure it is sealed correctly to the carb etc.. you know the story. Beyond that I would just reccomend that you check air pressure in your paddles, check / adjust the chain, all vital fluids, bring some extra jetts for temp & elev changes, spare spark plugs, tools, plenty of water to drink, flag/whip. As far as sand getting everywhere - that is part of having fun in the dunes, just make sure you have no leaking fluids / grease etc.. and the post-dune clean up should be a snap. Anything moist / greasy will hold sand like glue.

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Yea, I used simple green on my parents boat seats (they were full of mildew and that nasty grenn/black crap). I used a scrub brush and simple green and POW that shit was good as new.

Also, Have any of you guys used stuff called "Spot Shot"? They sell it at Walmart for around 3 bucks a can. You can find it in the household cleaning Isle. Anyway, Some dudes pen exploded on my light grey cloth seats in my car. It stayed there for a few weeks, then I took the spot shot, and Ill be damned if that seat didnt look as good as new. there was no trace of ink on the seat. The spot I cleaned up was atleast 2" in dia. I swear by that stuff.

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I lube the chain up real good before my last ride in the dirt and then wire brush it clean and clean the rear sprocket before going to the doons and almost no sand sticks to it at all. I'm careful when brushing the top of the chain not to hurt the o-rings.

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What works the best for me is to clean her up real good before I go. Get all the grease and oil off of the motor, clean your filters and use a dry graphite chain lubricant. Sand can't stick to whats clean and dry.

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Word on all that shit. I didn't clean here good before I went last time, so I'll be doing it this time.

 

Thanks for all the good input. Sounds like Simple Green is simply "the shit".

 

Later.

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Like everyone says , get it good and clean before and it will stay that way, If you have greased your a-arms latley I wouldn't grease them until you get back , the sand sticks to all the pivot points if any grease is on them.

Check your air filter , carb boots and intakes , check your throttle cable and use a dry lube on it , the sand loves to get in the cables .

 

Don't wax the plastic , just draws the sand or put amorall on the tires (had a buddy that did this) .

 

I use Amsoil chain lube and have had no problems with sand sticking to chain.

Depending on the type of air filter you have an outerwear is a good idea.

Take spare underwear and socks :D

 

If YOU.. want to stay cleaner , camp in north campground , less traffic and not all the dust to inhale like the south camp ground.

 

Darn , I wished I was going can't go this weekend have to wait till the 21st

Edited by PlaynSand
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If YOU..  want to stay cleaner , camp in north campground , less traffic and not all the dust to inhale like the south camp ground.

That ain't no shit. last time i was out on the main road of the south entrance, talk about inhaling sand. wind picked up and my tent was coated, inside, sleeping bag and all.

 

later.

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If YOU..  want to stay cleaner , camp in north campground , less traffic and not all the dust to inhale like the south camp ground.

That ain't no shit. last time i was out on the main road of the south entrance, talk about inhaling sand. wind picked up and my tent was coated, inside, sleeping bag and all.

 

later.

Honestly thats my favorite part of going to the dunes. I love it when the wind kicks up and it turns to shit for a few hours. I don't know why. I love it when its too hot and too windy.

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If YOU..  want to stay cleaner , camp in north campground , less traffic and not all the dust to inhale like the south camp ground.

That ain't no shit. last time i was out on the main road of the south entrance, talk about inhaling sand. wind picked up and my tent was coated, inside, sleeping bag and all.

 

later.

i mean north entrance. i like it when the girls put on the string bikinis and get nasty. :evil:

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