Cleaning??

[jimshea]

I have a 76 CB 750F and it needs a good clean up...
Any ideas how to clean up the cylinder head fins, and other alloy engine covers? Is there a 'magic' cleaner that can be bought? If so where from?

[JonnyB]

Depends how much you want to spend and what you are willing to do.

I Cleaned the engine for the articles on this site and did it on the cheap.

The engine was stripped and the empty crank cases were repeatedly cleaned with \"Gunk Engine De-greaser\" not the aerosol too dear. And pressure washed to clear the main crap off. You need a firm brush as well.

Then it was washed down using \"Mr Muscle\" Orange cleaner, this is also a de-greaser, works wonders.

As a final stage the cases were put through the dishwasher, (The wife still doesn't know). By this time most of the grease and grime has gone.

The polished alloy cases were done with \"Mr Muscle\" and put the dishwasher.

We've yet to clean the head, but the plan is strip of the valves etc Gunk,Pressure wash Mr Muscle and repeat.

Just some  words of warning

• if you degrease anything made of steel it will rust in hours. We found that out when we forgot to remove the bearing from the crankcase.
• And no sending me dish washer repair bills because you broke it  or medical bills because you poisoned yourself
• and don't send the missus round because you followed my advice

[list:u]

[jimshea]

Thanks for the advice... I was hoping to clean the engine in situ... I am not technical so would not want to strip it down!!
Can I clean it with Mr Muscle or Orange, as is? Will it do any damage?
The engine is not really greasy, it just doesn't have a shine, but maybe it isn't supposed to?
Cheers,
Jim.

[JonnyHonda]

I don't blame you for not wanting to take the engine out, it's a real git to get out and put back without help - weighs a ton

The old \"Mr Muscle - Orange\" Cleaner is pretty inert, I've used it on very part of a motorcycle including plastics and paint work with no problems. It is very similar to Autoglym, but cheaper.

Most of the casings on the F were a Dull cast finish, with the excption of the
Cam cover,
Magneto cover,
Front sprocket cover,
Gear selector cover
and the clutch cover.

The point cover was chrome as was the clutch adjuster cover.

All of these covers can be cleaned with a good aluminum polish like \"autosol\".

[jimshea]

Ta... I will give it a go with the products you mentioned... What do you ride and where are you  located?
Jim.

[JonnyB]

I live in Lincolnshire so lots of hills, bends and country road, as for riding, I had a beamer until a few months ago, but sold it, running two cars and a bike was getting expensive. I also own the 1976  CB750 F that is currently featured in these articles.

 :angry: A couple of years ago it suffered from a major camshaft failure, so I decided to strip it and feature the rebuild process on this website.

[jimshea]

Where will I find the rebuild article on your F?
Do you know of anyone in Surrey for servicing of these bikes?
I am not technical and have a lot to learn before I mess with the bike myself!!

[jimshea]

I used Autosol, specifically for non polished metal and alloys and it worked well, it made the heads, and alloy engine covers shine, not a bright shine, but a decent shine for alloy...

[JonnyB]

The engine rebuild is an on going group of articles that will progress as time and money allows.

see http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=46&Itemid=55 for the current list.

If there is anything you need to know, post a message in the forum. If you have an idea for an article let me know. Or you could write it yourself and send it to http://mailto:editor@sohc.co.uk

[gupyuk]

Hi Jim

Have a look at this......  http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8784
I have used this on my engine and it's pretty good, it takes a few mins to get a hold but once it starts it works.

I would suggest that you get all the oil and heavy stuff off first, spray some of this stuff on and leave for 5 - 10 mins, you will need some form of agitator like a small stiff nylon brush (like a long bristled toothbrush) give it a scrub then apply some more. You will know when it's working as it fizzes slightly keep repeating this process and you will end up with a nice bright shiny piece of engine.

A word of warning though....... Don't leave it on too long.......  10 - 15 mins absoloute max as it will start to 'burn' the ally and it will go black and that's a bitch to get back!!!

 these bods have some good stuff, a little pricey but it is kinda specialised http://www.frost.co.uk/default.asp


Good luck, drop us a line if it works !!!

Robin.