Topic: Engine cleaning

[Honda?]

Well I have my engine out of my bike and I've found the source of my oil leak. (one of the 6 rubber pucks under the valves)

My next task is to clean all of the oil and grime off of my engine which will be a pretty good job.

My question is if I were to use carb cleaner/brake cleaner/ or anything else like those two would that cause any damage to or eat through the HG or lower gaskets?

Any advice is appreciated

-Tyson

[fuzzybutt]

do NOT use a pressure washer! it's too easy to blow seals out with one and put water where you dont want it. a scrub brush and hot, soapy water is all i use

[seaweb11]

Varsol and a tooth brush.

[Bob Wessner]

I've found a 50/50 mix of Simple Green sprayed on and allowed to sit for a few minutes, then a brush, followed by a rinse to be a very effective degreaser and cleaner. Repeat if necessary. Best on a warm engine (not hot), even the warmth of sitting in the sun would work, though I doubt that will work in WI right now.

[BobbyR]

How about simple old fashioned Gunk engine cleaner and a brush for the thick stuff.

[Honda?]

Bob Wessner,

I may be in WI but my engine is in a nice heated room upstairs across the hall from my bedroom

I've tried my options and yes the gunk engine cleaner/degreaser works best by far.

Thanks for all of the help!  (now help me find a new cheap camshaft/towers/rockers for my engine.)     "my options" thread

-Tyson

[Terry in Australia]

Here you go mate, I don't think you'll find any much cheaper than these. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB750-CB-750-Camshaft-Cam-Shaft_W0QQitemZ260182883040QQihZ016QQcategoryZ35595QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-70-78-CB750-cam-towers-excel-cond_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35595QQihZ009QQitemZ190185117752QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-70-78-CB750-valve-tappets-excel-cond_W0QQitemZ190177629524QQihZ009QQcategoryZ35595QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Bob Wessner]

How about simple old fashioned Gunk engine cleaner and a brush for the thick stuff.

I used it once, had forgotten about that. It was very effective for sure, but it raised hell with our black-top driveway as well so I switched. Of course it was pretty badly in need of a cleaning back then. I try not to let it get that bad anymore.

[Jim F]

XJ-1 is what I have been using. Just spray it on and use a water hose with out the spray
nozzle  is all you need.
Its really good about taking stains off (Georgia red clay for all you Georgia folks)

Most dealers have it at around 25 bucks a gallon

Jim

[dkruitz]

Purple Power from Walmart is good stuff - $5/gallon if I recall.

[mkramer1121]

I found using a steam cleaner first helps break up a lot of the grime and then your favorite cleaner and a toothbrush works out pretty well.

[Terry in Australia]

Keep that steam cleaner (or pressure washer) away from wheel bearings, swing arm bearings or steering head bearings Mike, or you'll be sorry!

I destroyed the front wheel bearings in my BMW R100RS using a steam cleaner, it cleaned the wheels up fine, but it also washed all the grease out of them, and I didn't know until I got into a "tank slapper" at 80 Mph that anything was wrong!

I'd send you a pic of my undies as proof, but even now, I still can't bear looking at them!

[mkramer1121]

Well, right, always regrease when done!