Best Way to Clean the Engine...

[Gimpdiggity]

So I've been trying to clean my engine up a bit. I've got some pretty good engine degreaser products, and they have done the bulk of the work.

I also have some brushes and such that I've been using on the stubborn stuff.

Basically, the grime is coming off pretty well, but the problem seems to be that some parts of the engine seem almost permanently stained. They are a very light tan color, almost like the oil that was leaking out of my valve cover gasket has stained it.

I've tried using the degreaser on it several times to no avail. It still just stays the exact same.

Soooo....does anyone know any tricks for dealing with something like this?? Is the engine permanently stained from this and the only way to remedy it will require paint?? Or does anyone know any magical cleaning products that might work on it??

Thanks!!

 

[Gimpdiggity]

After continuing to search the site, I have found that sometimes the engine case is polished, and that when that polish starts to fade it can show up as a yellowish color.

That yellowish color is what I would describe the problem that I'm having. So with that said, would a polish/wax remover be the best option to try and clean this stuff off of the engine???

Thanks!!

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

If you are talking about the factory clearcoar on engine covers it does yellow with age. Start with a 200 grit wet/dry and work up to 1000/1200 and then a good polish with Mothers polish

 

[Rock]

Acetone will remove the clear coat finish without scratching making polishing easier. I let it sit awhile on the case and then used a very fine bronze wool.

 

[gsryder]

I used a sand blaster and blasted it with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
I took off my tank, carbs, exhaust and blasted the hell out of the whole thing.

It wont clean the tarnish or clear coat off of the cases but it does wonders on any light surface rust oxidation etc. it work great on the cylinders.

Couple things to keep in mind though it does make a pretty big mess but its just baking soda so it washes down the drive way with garden hose. As far as the bike goes, blow it off with an air gun the rest washes off with water.

I dont have any good before pics of the motor but let me tell you it was nasty I tried all the engine degreaser stuff and got it kinda clean but not clean.

I am still going to hit it one more time to get all the little small stuff I missed, the first time through got the major gunk off.

 

[spyder2120]

Has anyone tried alluminizer?

 

[Clone]

That is a shiny silver motor,
Any ideas for brightening up the black motor?

 

[scotto58]

That motor looks great! Hope i can get mine to look as good.
BTW, what's the switch under the red cover for?

Scott

 

[gsryder]

I have removed all the electronics off the handle bars so the red switch is for the ignition and on the other side right by the choke is the starter button. The head light switch is in the head light bucket.
Kind of a bad angle but can see it a little bit the only thing on the handle bars are the clutch, front brake, and throttle. You can also kind of tell this is before I cleaned the motor.

 

[Gimpdiggity]

I have removed all the electronics off the handle bars so the red switch is for the ignition and on the other side right by the choke is the starter button. The head light switch is in the head light bucket.
Kind of a bad angle but can see it a little bit the only thing on the handle bars are the clutch, front brake, and throttle. You can also kind of tell this is before I cleaned the motor.

That's sick man. Totally awesome.

I hate you for showing this picture, because now I want to move my electronics down there also...and maybe even mount the key ignition down there.

Curses!!!

 

[gsryder]

It wasnt that big of a deal there are other posts in this forum where I have more detailed pics.
Just remember you need to be ready to suffer the consequences and possible legalities of doing such mods. No turn signals, horn, etc. I rolled the dice and have not been ticketed yet for any operating issues but I am sure its only a matter of time before I get a ticket.

 

[jimfj]

I have the same tan "staining" on an engine right now. It is on the cooling fins on #1 cyl. I have tried everything short of sandpaper to get it off. Looks like a baked on oil stain. Any thoughts from the experts?

 

[gsryder]

The baking soda and a sand blaster will take it right off liked it was warm butter. My cylinders had it all over......not anymore.

 

[nisom512]

The baking soda and a sand blaster will take it right off liked it was warm butter. My cylinders had it all over......not anymore.

and how can this happen if a certain someone I know:-\\\ doesnt have a sand blaster.

 

[gsryder]

I think all you would really need is a compressor.
You could technically make a sand blaster to achieve what you are looking to do. There was a link I saw somewhere about how to make one now I cant find it.

Any way all you need is a compressor (preferably at least 100psi)

An air gun with a nozzle

3 or 4 feet of clear 3/8 plastic hose (local hardware store)

Cut a slice in the side of the hose back about 2 or three inches from the end of the hose

Stick the nozzle of the air gun into the hose through the slit with a little bit of hose sticking off the end.

Drop the other end into a big bag of Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)

hook up your compressor to the air gun and blast away.

Take all you regular safety precautions glasses dust mask etc.

I hope that was clear if not you can always just buy one from Harbor Freight for $15

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95793

 

[Guest]

I have the same tan "staining" on an engine right now. It is on the cooling fins on #1 cyl. I have tried everything short of sandpaper to get it off. Looks like a baked on oil stain. Any thoughts from the experts?

Try a green scotch-bright pad with Simple Green or Purple Power. I used that along with tooth brushes and baby bottle brushes. Soak, scrub, rinse, repeat....several times. There is no easy way to get the motor clean short of media blasting, which isn't always an option. Lots of scrubbing and patience.
Here's some before and afters. Notice the dried up puddle of gunk under the motor in the second pic.

 

[Florida Guy]

Any ideas for brightening up the black motor?

Get yourself a spray can of S100 engine brightener.
Works wonders on black motors.
Thoroughly wash the motor first, and let dry.
Spray on cold engine.
Stand back and be amazed.

 

[Guest]

That is a shiny silver motor,
Any ideas for brightening up the black motor?

Get yourself a spray can of S100 engine brightener.
Works wonders on black motors.
Thoroughly wash the motor first, and let dry.
Spray on cold engine.
Stand back and be amazed.

+1 on the S100 Engine Brightner. Great stuff. You can also use it in place of Armor-All on all your black stuff... hoses, plastic, etc. It brings back the color on those pieces, too. And lasts through several washings.

 

[MelodicMetalGod]

Renobruce,

I gotta say that you are my hero when it comes to bright and shiny, showroom new-looking engines. Your work never ceases to amaze.

Talk about not worthy! I have yet to put that kind of time and effort into my bike...but at least I have more inspiration now.

Well done! :clap: :dancing:

 

[donimo]

so how do you guys wash yours? Pressure washer or not?
ine is filthy, black and some of the paint in the finns looks peely, so I think its going to look worse washed than dirty...