clean engine

[PaulMceleney]

Whats the best way to clean a z900 a4 engine with out remove it from the frame any quick ways with good results how do you clean yours ?

[Garry.L]

There are no 'Quick' ways to clean an engine, otherwise every ones lump would be super clean.

Happy to tell you how I do them, but it takes time, effort and a lot of patience.

[Philippe]

Hi Paul
as Garry mentioned there are no quick ways to clean an engine and certainly not when it's in the frame... there are many places you can't reach when it's in the frame. Mostly it's corroded and has dark spots.
The best way to clean it is: take it out, take it apart and clean one piece at the time with red and blue nylon brushes on a drill and for the very hard to reach places a dremel rotating brush. As far as the shiny alloy parts are concerned: polish them, degrease them and give them a clear coat specially developed for light alloys. When it's taken apart, you can replace the worn out timing chain and all the other parts related to the timing, use new gaskets, O-rings and oil seals. Mount it back together and put it back in the frame...
It's a drastic way to get a clean engine, I know, but that's how I do it and it stays rather clean for many years.
GrtZ
Philippe

[becker]

As above, best results with engine out/apart.

But came across this recommendation on a Z FB page, it even had before/after photos - results were impressive - others in the thread also recommended this when engine is in .

"Putoline Chain & engine degreaser (expensive BUT it works) then a scotch pad, a tube of Autosol and a very large tub of elbow grease..... then get rubbing. Wrap the pad around a flat blade screwdriver to get into the fins."

Also a number of people recommended something called "Mothers" - a bit of an abrasive paste like Solvol, but also has some chemicals in it which help to eat away the grime. apparently will give good results without having to resort to wire wool.

[Ultim8pc]

I use 'Mothers' mag and aluminium cleaner. Apply with a toothbrush, leave 10 minutes, rub again and wait. Repeat a few times then rub off.
Use a bit of steel wool also on stubborn areas.

[Garry.L]

"Putoline Chain & engine degreaser (expensive BUT it works) then a scotch pad, a tube of Autosol and a very large tub of elbow grease..... then get rubbing. Wrap the pad around a flat blade screwdriver to get into the fins."
.

That would have been my post, but as said it takes lots of time and effort.

[PaulMceleney]

I had this bike 22years I do not want to restore it i like they way it has aged but with the faded chrome but would like to clean the engine I spent most of the day on the tank but will not get repainted I prefer the look that it has aged but kept in good condition how they use to look not to shiny I will see how I get on thanks

[SVENLEATHER]

Could not resist this. Talk to Bunny or get him to do it. He likes cleaning.

[Garry.L]

I had this bike 22years I do not want to restore it i like they way it has aged but with the faded chrome but would like to clean the engine I spent most of the day on the tank but will not get repainted I prefer the look that it has aged but kept in good condition how they use to look not to shiny I will see how I get on thanks

I've blinged up a good few engines, however several years ago I picked up a very original 900A4. The engine had the usual white corrosion patches and the typical dull grey look. Given the bikes originality I didn't want to go too Bling so I just did the minimum to get it looking tidy without the 'Just Blasted' look, all done by hand.

As said though, even this dumbed down look took a lot of time and effort.

Z1019.jpg (79.27 KiB) Viewed 4497 times

[hartyb]

My top tip is a little every day using the meatheads above

If you can get into the habit of going to the garage for 30 mins a night and doing a small amount its staggering just how much you can get done while waiting for dinner to be cooked in a couple of weeks

if you start at the top and work down and don't get carried away trying bits that look easy to clean you can keep things look good if you go for a ride as well

[PaulMceleney]

That engine looks perfect , I have allready started on my , I seem to be getting good results using gunk spray and a brush my starting to look like that ,did try muck off spray and it was rubbish so took back to the shop ,will do a bit more tomorrow I will be happy if I can get my engine looking that good

[PaulMceleney]

Getting there