Engine cleaning options

[Skyboy8950]

Hey guys,

So I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket which has a small leak in it. When I do that, I want to take the pipes off and clean the font of the engine. What I am wondering is what is the best product/method to use. I have used Gunk foam degreaser on an engine not in a frame, but don't think it would do well with the painted frame right there. What would you suggest?

Also, what should I shove down the exhaust ports while cleaning? Just some rags?

Thanks in advance.

[doctorgonzo]

Concentrated Simple Green woeks well.

[Skyboy8950]

Yes, I have used that before. I can give that a whirl.

[Nessism]

Simple Green works but it's not as strong as one of the citrus engine cleaners. Either way you are going to have to scrub with a brush if you want to engine to be truly clean.

[TheCafeKid]

In lieu of having some simple green, I once tried a SERIOUSLY heavy concentration of Dawn dish liquid and just a bit of water. Was pretty damn amazing. However, I have to say that a good motor cleaner is the way to go. I have used GUNK engine degreaser with great results.

[Skyboy8950]

Oh I'm ready. I've already picked up a gallon of elbow grease.

[Skyboy8950]

In lieu of having some simple green, I once tried a SERIOUSLY heavy concentration of Dawn dish liquid and just a bit of water. Was pretty damn amazing. However, I have to say that a good motor cleaner is the way to go. I have used GUNK engine degreaser with great results.

Does gunk mess with the paint?

[TheCafeKid]

Does gunk mess with the paint?

Not that I have seen....Here's a recently GUNKed motor ( i JUST took these shots, but the bike hasnt been washed in about a week or so.)

[Skyboy8950]

Wow, very nice!!!
What other kinds of prep did you have to do? Did you have to pull anything off, or did you just gunk it as is and scrub?

[TheCafeKid]

Well, if you want EVERY nook and crany clean, there will be some parts removal in order, unless you are incredibly patient enough to get into each one with a bottle brush or whatever, and contort yourself into all types of positions. I clean my motors REALLY good once a season, and then just do a weekly upkeep. There of course is crud in the places i cant reach, but generally, i cant see those places unless im looking for them, so i dont care. If you want a THOROUGH cleaning, remove the pipes, carbs and tank, and scrub really well (DO NOT SPRAY water or anything near the open intake/exhaust ports) hook everything back up, and the hose away. Or...ask RenoBruce. He and Keith Krause probably have the CLEANEST GSs ive ever seen. BTW, THIS pic is a Gunk it as is and scrub, then spray, then break out the Mothers/Diamond Brite and hit up the case covers, and wax EVERYTHING.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Use plenty of PB Blaster on the ex bolts before trying to remove them....