Topic: cleaning cylinder and cylinder head

[adamrdiamond]

Due to oil covering the entire front of my CB750K8 engine, I removed it and pulled it apart to remove all gaskets and seals. I will only go as far as removing the cylinder and cylinder head and will not be separating the crank case. I have been scrubbing and cleaning like mad (being careful with abrasive items of course) and realize that a good power washing on these parts would really do the trick. Simple green and dozens of brushes have only gotten me so far. Does anyone know if power washing the cylinder and cylinder head is okay? I plan on drying these parts immediately with compressed air to get it nice and dry.
On another note, the piston rings measured out to be in great shape (30k miles on bike). Is it recommended to re-hone for the existing rings or just clean out the cylinder really well with parts cleaner and put it back together. Thanks for any insight.

[calj737]

If the head and jugs are separated, power washing won't hurt them. Be 100% certain you have all the o-rings and dowel pins accounted for. Drying afterwards properly, you should be fine.

Foaming engine degreaser type products work well too to help cut through accumulated grease. You could even have these separated parts Soda Blasted, then paint them up afterwards for better results than power washing.

A light hone won't hurt you when re-using stock rings. Just grab a flex hone and give them a light stroke using oil on the stone. Drill spinning at high speed, and plunge and withdraw in full strokes without loitering.

[flybox1]

Read this
brandEn's Leak Free top end thread

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,107040.0.html

[70CB750]

If rings stay in the same place - same piston - there is really no need for honning.  Honning is used to help new rings to get seated, not your case.

[kerryb]

I keep a spray bottle of kerosene and a bunch of different softwood sticks around to dig the gunk out of the corners. 

[NobleHops]

I buy packs of carpenter's shims at Home Depot and slit them into wedges of the appropriate width with a utility knife for this very purpose. Snap off the tip a few times for fresh wood, pitch 'em when they get too manky.

[adamrdiamond]

Thanks for the info. Still not sure if I should gone the cylinder or not. I'm guessing it can't hurt anything.

Getting close to painting the engine. Ita going to be tricky with all of the bolt heads exposed. I don't want to seal them up with paint. I may wax the heads so paint doesn't stick and then when finished swap them out for nice bright new ones. Any thoughts.

[TomsK8resto]

I buy packs of carpenter's shims at Home Depot and slit them into wedges of the appropriate width with a utility knife for this very purpose. Snap off the tip a few times for fresh wood, pitch 'em when they get too manky.

Nils,

That is a great tip!  Thanks.

Tom

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If you want them not only cleaned but basically better than factory new, send them to Nils aka NobleHops for vapor blasting.

[gtacb750]

power washing should be fine...i cleaned mine in a tub with hot water and dish washing soap

just don't lose any small bits

[PeWe]

If you have head off and will wash it or using compressed air.... Remove  the 2 oil orificies and save them in a safe place. I blew one away a week ago, but was lucky to find it again on the floor between some stuff. The entire weekend job should been on hold if not finding it.

The parts I describe is 2 small alu things sitting loose in the head with o-rings aorund where the oil eneter the cam holder.
http://www.cmsnl.com/products/orifice-oil-contl_12238300010/#.Vzht8JGLS01

I searched for these and bought 2 for not that much when still available. The older ones sit tighter, K0, K1 heads if I'm correct.