Engine cleaning

[jsmith1107]

Can anyone tell me the best non-blasting way to clean the aluminum on an engine, the fins, etc? I found some jelly type stuff that is supposed to clean it. I really don't want to take apart the engine as it runs fine. I want it to look like new if possible.

Thanks

[Ilbikes]

Jeff, I have come up with a method I use on my new builds, but I have never tried it on an assembled engine. I have tried air conditioner core acid, have bought 2 quarts of "Metal Finishing" cleaner and acid, have tried every chemical solution I've ever heard of - none have replaced mechanical action. Since you can't burnish an entire engine and these machines aren't available to the hobbiest, I kept experimenting until I found this -

I degrease/clean the part before ever starting. I then use my portable drill to turn a thin 1/4" wide long-bristle brush of at least 4" in diameter. I secure the part and using the drill, use the mechanical contact to remove oxidation, scale, and bring a luster back to the part. My KZ900 was done 1 year ago when I rebuilt the topend, since then I've done the Suzuki head and have had good responses from other boards I've posted this on. The key is to find a thin, long bristle brush that won't leave scratches and be flexible enough to fit down in-between the fins. My CL77 will certainly be getting this treatment. These were done 100% by me with the simple application of a narrow brass brush spinning in a portable battery-powered 3/8" drill.

Best Regards,
Gordon

Here are the results -

[Ilbikes]

Here is the head and cover - not a great photo, but these are not cleared and I did the work back in 2008 when I built the engine.

Also note, a bench grinder with a wire wheel will not duplicate the results - it is too fast or the bristles are too hard. It is the slow action and the long, soft bristles working down in-between the fins that mades it work without scratching and gouging the surface.

Gordon

[smi481]

An option to consider also is soda (edible baking soda) blasting.

We purchased an new ACE Soda Blaster from ACE for $200 and used it on
our CL72 with tremendous results. The "blaster" was used on the cylinders, heads
and carb bodies. Once you are done (45 minutes to do the
entire engine) , you simply hose off the baking soda and it disappears ....
foaming away down the drain or driveway.

http://www.ace-sandblasting.com/soda-bl ... ticle.html

http://www.ace-sandblasting.com/soda-blasting.html

"DRY SODA BLASTERS – A MODEL FOR EVERY NEED
Ace Sandblasting offers an economical line of soda blasting equipment,
designed to meet numerous cleaning applications. All of our products use
environmentally friendly soda blast media. Each of ACE's soda blasting
models is designed to provide a cost effective way to take advantage of
soda blasting's unique cleaning properties. Remove paint, oil, mold, carbon,
grease, grime, and many other difficult to remove soils and paints, without
damaging the underlying material. Call Gene at 616-402-4120 to find
out more about our soda blasters, or to place an order."

Since we finished the CL72 .... we have used the Soda Blaster for
dozens of tasks with excellent results. It is a gentle, effective way to
clean up aluminum and steel parts without damaging the metal itself.

[Spargett]

Those are all great options. Make sure there isn't any oil or grease with the soda blaster otherwise you'll end up with a gooey mess. Good luck cleaning her up.

The red scotchbrite pads fit wonderfully in between the fins for touch up as well.