Author Topic: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head  (Read 1083 times)

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Offline K7-Steppy

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Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« on: January 14, 2019, 11:40:15 am »
1st time rebuild and am basically broke after buying parts but was hoping to get some methods/ideas for cleaning the cases, cylinders and head. I had to drill out a couple screws from the countershaft bearing holder and am worried there might be some metal debris leftover. I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to use water and a degreaser to clean out the insides of the cases and cylinder head. I work at a family owned restaurant and thought I might use the dishwasher spray hose to clean out everything but I'm nervous doing anything without you guys okaying it first.

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Offline 69cb750

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2019, 12:29:52 pm »
Quote
I work at a family owned restaurant and thought I might use the dishwasher spray hose to clean out everything but I'm nervous doing anything without you guys okaying it first.
Dish washers do a great job of cleaning car and cycle parts.
Wife can be an issue sometimes, be careful you don't contaminate your washer, health department may complain.

Offline K7-Steppy

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2019, 12:34:51 pm »
She makes me do the dishes anyways........lol

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2019, 02:42:30 pm »
May I make a suggestion?

Start a thread in Project Shop section, then you can ask all the questions necessary and have all the info right there, rather than jumping to your different threads.

We like to follow along each others projects...

'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline flybox1

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2019, 02:43:20 pm »
Sudsy pressure wash at the local car wash works well....especially if you pre-treat with a degreaser.  Secure loose parts, first.
Its better than a pi$$ed wife and a smelly dishwasher......trust me. 

Oven baking high temp paint on cases was almost the last straw  :o ;D
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Offline Can550

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2019, 03:03:57 pm »
For me, generous amount of mineral spirit sprayed everywhere, few paint and tooth brushes from dollar store and garden hose with pressure head nozzle works great.


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Offline K7-Steppy

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2019, 03:13:26 pm »
yeah I probably should have mentioned that this is the first time I've ever been on a forum so I'm learning..... and pretty confused. Thank you for the suggestion

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Offline Can550

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2019, 03:15:15 pm »
yeah I probably should have mentioned that this is the first time I've ever been on a forum so I'm learning..... and pretty confused. Thank you for the suggestion

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Offline K7-Steppy

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2019, 03:18:17 pm »
I have to say some of the nicest and coolest people have responded to me on here and I kind of get the feeling it wouldn't be that way on a Harley forum lol

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Offline pjlogue

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2019, 04:12:57 pm »
What Can550 said.  I would stay  away from automatic dishwasher detergent.  It will ruin the finish of aluminum.  Engine needs complete disassembly if you go with the water based route.  Don't get it on any bearings, gears steel precision parts. 

-P.

Offline Stretch

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2019, 06:25:38 pm »
Quote
I work at a family owned restaurant and thought I might use the dishwasher spray hose to clean out everything but I'm nervous doing anything without you guys okaying it first.
Dish washers do a great job of cleaning car and cycle parts.
Wife can be an issue sometimes, be careful you don't contaminate your washer, health department may complain.
There are several things that can get a restaurant closed down on the spot, that would be one of them.

Now, about your home dishwasher? You do what you think best, you have to live with her.  ;D

A mixture of Dawn and water and a brush works pretty well. Brake cleaner is another option.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2019, 06:27:43 pm by Stretch »
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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2019, 06:58:48 pm »
I have to say some of the nicest and coolest people have responded to me on here and I kind of get the feeling it wouldn't be that way on a Harley forum lol

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Nah, while I've never owned a Harley except for a project I flipped as a project, I've done a number of charity rides and local club events that are loaded with Harley riders and by and large they are good guys who appreciate even old Jap bikes like ours.
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Offline K7-Steppy

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2019, 07:30:45 pm »
Sorry just a bad joke

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Offline Can550

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Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2019, 07:45:18 pm »
I own a Harley touring and so on couple of HD forums. While “You meet nicest people on Honda”, others are great guys as well.

It’s not the bike that makes a rider !



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« Last Edit: January 14, 2019, 07:47:33 pm by Can550 »

Offline gtmdriver

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Re: Cleaning engine cases/cylinders/head
« Reply #14 on: January 15, 2019, 01:34:26 am »
I used a water soluble degreaser first (Jizer in the UK) then put the parts through the hot cycle in our domestic dishwasher.

They came out very well.