Engine Parts (Head) cleaner?

[Skyboy8950]

82 650GL
Hey guys, I finally have the parts to put my bike together again. I was wondering if there is a product I can use to clean my head before I put it on. It has been in my truck and probably has a bit of dirt in/on it. Any recommendations would be great. Also, any tips and tricks for putting my head back on and everything would be great as well. Thanks everyone!

[Mark whiz]

If it's just loose dirt you're worried about, just spray it off with compressed air. If it is a little worse than that, spray it with some aerosol brake cleaner - just make sure you don't get it on the rubber valve seals, as some of those cleaners don't play well with rubber

[chef1366]

I stripped my head completely and used Berrymans. I brushed it on and let it sit and all the crud came right off. Don't let this stuff touch your valve stem seals though.

[Skyboy8950]

Great, thanks for the help. I was thinking brake parts cleaner. Its very light. I also need to clean the gasket surfaces well too, but I know there is gasket remover, so I think I will try that as well. Thanks.

PS. Does brake parts cleaner hurt paint (like on the frame)?

[mark]

Great, thanks for the help. I was thinking brake parts cleaner. Its very light. I also need to clean the gasket surfaces well too, but I know there is gasket remover, so I think I will try that as well. Thanks.

PS. Does brake parts cleaner hurt paint (like on the frame)?

I'm in the same situation as you, and brake parts cleaner is the recommendation for final cleaning just prior to assembly. It works well and dries quickly. Brake parts cleaner won't work very well for removing gasket material.

Cleaning gasket material off the head and block can take time, even with a good gasket remover. Take the time needed.

[chef1366]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=105743