Topic: Question about engine cleaning procedure... CB750 K4

[sbparks]

Hello again,

 I am at about the point where I am ready to start the 'enjoyable' job of soaking and de-greasing my engine in preparation for painting.  Overall, the engine isn't bad, but there's no way I'm going to mount this engine again before I get it looking spic and span first.

 I figured I could do the degreasing/painting job while I was also working on the various engine covers.  So I have all of the covers off the bike and I'm getting them ready for polish.

 Now, I am looking at this engine with all of the valves, gear shifter, points, clutch assembly... All out in the open.

 If I were to start applying the degreaser and using any water at all to rinse the engine, I'd probably contaminate the exposed portions of the engine.

 Am I better to (temporarily) replace the covers for a day or two (or three) of degreasing or should I attempt to mask the exposed parts (I'll need to mask anyway for painting) for degreasing and then be ready for paint.

 What am I getting into at this point in my project?  Your past experiences are most welcome.  I just want to do this right!

Thanks, Scott

[sbparks]

 I guess my thoughts at this point are to button the engine back up using the covers.  Then, I'll start the cleanup job.

 Any other thoughts on this matter?

Thanks, Scott

[sbparks]

Folks,

 I figured I'd post a few pictures of my weekend's project.

 I spent the better part of Saturday working on the back and the underside of the engine.  It was slow going, but the scrubbie pads do a great job (where they can reach).  I the applied the engine cleaner to the head and the cylinders and let it sit overnight.  Sunday, I scrubbed each fin and did the best I could to clean each surface.

 I used the 'Gunk' engine cleaner product.  It is labled as 'thick' so it sits on the surface to cut the grease.  I used 'scrubby' pads (I cut them as necessary to fit the cavities) and to reach inside each fin.  I also used Simple Green on the fins as well.  After all of the scrubbing I rinsed with water (carefully).

 The small Harbor Freight mover's dolly was really useful for moving the engine around (easy enough to reposition to reach the various sides).  I protected my shop floor with a layer of plastic to keep all the nasty from making a mess of my floor.

 I did reinstall the covers to keep the innards of the engine free of cleaner and water. 

 So, after a day or so to recover, (I do have a sore back at this point!) I'll be masking each engine opening and preparing for paint.  I have a painter lined up to do the shoot for me. 

 The color is called "Shadow Gray"?

 Here's the before pics:

[sbparks]

 And now the after pics:

[bender01]

It looks good to me. It will look sharp when put back on the road.