BMW K bikes (Bricks)


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1Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 4:49 am

aladin1

aladin1
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I'm now well into dismantling my 1985 K100RT for a refurb and ready to start cleaning up the engine casing of oxides and road crud. Question: do I restore the engine to its former polished glory or do I have the engine covers powder coated to save on future elbow grease. 
Any comments?

    

2Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 12:09 pm

gabriel

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Hi Aladin1

This is my opinion and I am in no way suggesting this is the only approach to cleaning the engine.
Many riders take the approach of sodablasting and painting the engine cases.
I have noticed those who adopt this approach often find the cases oxidize within months of been cleaned. Sodablasting/sandblasting seems to damage the cases and then you are left with a situation where the cases have to be painted. 
Painting the cases might seem like a permanent solution but it's very easy for the surfaces to be damaged by stones and road debris which then allows moisture to penetrate the paint layers and create bubbles beneath the paint surface.

Bmw never painted the engine and gearbox. But it seems a protective coating might have been applied which might explain why the cases don't oxidise. Sandblasting perhaps destroys the original finish and they begin to oxidise which gives a horrible appearance.
Halo and other riders have mentioned this situation.
My approach was to use an abrasive nylon brush attached to a drill and use a lubricant such as WD40. My cases look great and after twelve months there is no sign of oxidisation. 
Steel brushes are a big no no. They damage and remove the original surface finish and starts the oxiddisation process.
It's also a much cheaper option.
That's my opinion.
Feedback is appreciated.

Good luck with your Reno.

Cheers
Gabriel

    

3Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 1:13 pm

aladin1

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Hi Gabriel

Thanks for your valued comments which Have definitely swayed me towards polishing the engine. I was going to try nylon abrasive pads with an aluminium cleaner but I'll try the WD40 method first.
If my engine stays as oxide free as you suggest it might I'll be very happy as I am an unashamed fair weather biker who rides purely for fun and avoids our UK winter salted roads like the plague. 

Regards, Aladin1.   Engine cleaning 112350

    

4Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 1:43 pm

Dai

Dai
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Vapour blasting will work well. It's a two-stage process; first the crud is cleaned off the surface using a very fine slurry and then the surface is effectively re-sealed when it's actually vapour blasted. I have a Moto Guzzi LeMans IV engine that was vapour blasted over four years ago and it still looks brand new.


__________________________________________________
1983 K100 naked upgraded to K100LT spec after spending time as an RS and an RT
1987 K100RT
Others...
1978 Moto Guzzi 850-T3, 1979 Moto Guzzi 850-T3 California,1993 Moto Guzzi 1100ie California
2020 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
    

5Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 5:04 pm

aladin1

aladin1
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Hi Dai

I've just had a look at vapour blasting on YouTube and it looks very effective. I don't want to strip the engine any more than I have to as it is mechanically sound but the engine covers could be blasted if the surfaces are resealed during the process. Was your Guzzi engine a Matt finish after blasting or does the process leave the surface clean but smooth?

Regards Aladin1

    

6Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:05 pm

Crazy Frog

Crazy Frog
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gabriel wrote:Steel brushes are a big no no. They damage and remove the original surface finish and starts the oxiddisation process.
It's also a much cheaper option.
That's my opinion.
Feedback is appreciated.

Good luck with your Reno.

Cheers
Gabriel
First, I don't think the aluminum engine parts have a surface finish on it. Just look at old rice cookers and you will see that with age the varnish starts to peel and become yellow.
Even if the BMW had a coating, the oxidation would be the result of the protection being destroyed. Using a steel brush would remove it totally to have a uniform surface.
The only bad think about using a steel brush is that it could leave particles of metal which would be embedded in the aluminum resulting of tiny little spots of rust. (I never had that happening to me)
What ever you do (at the exception of painting) will always be a temporary solution and corrosion will always re-appears.
I polished my engines with a steel brush and finished it with a nylon pad.
Every year, I just have to spend a couple of hours to refinish the engine with a nylon pad.
To clean the engine(and the painted surfaces too), I import a product from France called abnet
It is incredible but not imported in North America. If you buy some, DO NOT show it to your wife. She will love it and you won't see the container again. -
Do not buy the ready mix one as it has 90% water and 10 % product. - Buy the concentrate and dilute it yourself
This product has the property of going between the support and the dirt (even greasy dirt) and lift the dirt off.
You spray it, let it work for 1 minute and then rinse it. It even work with oxidation.
Imagine, when I go on vacation to France, I prefer to bring back this product in stead of duty free French wine.....
I never found anything better, and it doesn't contain any chemical components. It's even safe to clean your dish with it. The only thing is that the smell is not the most pleasant but it dissipate within minutes.


Look how clean these engines are.... Not shiny like chrome, but just clean and free of oxidation
Engine cleaning IMG_1205


__________________________________________________
Engine cleaning Frog15Engine cleaning Logo2101986 k75, 1985 K100rt, 1985 K100rt/EML GT2 sidecar, 1999 K1200lt/Hannigan Astro Sport sidecar.
    

7Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:13 pm

indian036

indian036
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"To clean the engine(and the painted surfaces too), I import a product from France called abnet"


You could have mentioned this before I left France two weeks ago.  Wink Wink    Now I'll have to wait till September or so.


Bill


__________________________________________________
1985 K100RT  VIN 0028991  My original Very Happy ROB the Red Old Bike   (Historic rego)
1985 K100RT  VIN 0029036  BOB the Blue Old Bike  (Historic rego)
1990 K100LT  VIN 0190452  Work in progress
1984 K100RT  VIN 0023022  Work needing lots of progress

1986 K100RT  VIN 0090542  Work needing lots and lots of progress
1993 K1100LT  VIN 0183046  Work in progress
1993 K75S  VIN 0213045  Tom the Triple (now on Historic rego too.)
    

8Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:28 pm

92KK 84WW Olaf

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indian036 wrote:"To clean the engine(and the painted surfaces too), I import a product from France called abnet"


You could have mentioned this before I left France two weeks ago.  Wink Wink    Now I'll have to wait till September or so.


Bill

Or you could bribe TacKler to bring some back in June......


__________________________________________________
1992 K100LT 0193214 Bertha Blue 101,000 miles
1984 K100RT 0022575 Brutus Baja Red 578 bought 36,000 now 89,150 miles
1997 K1100LT 0188024 Wotan Mystic Red 689 58,645 now 106,950 miles Deceased.
1983 K100RS 0011157 Fricka 606 Alaska Blue 29,495 miles Damn K Pox Its a Bat outta Hell Now 58,200 miles. 
1996 K1100LT 0233004 Lohengrin Mystic Red 38,000 miles currently 48,061 miles.
1983 K100RS 0004449 Odette R100 colours 58,000 miles. Sprint fairing now 61,190 miles

Past:
1968 Yamaha 80 YG1
1971 Yamaha 125 YAS-1
1968 Honda 125 SS
1970 Honda CD 175
1973 Honda CB500-4
Honda CX 500
    

9Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 2:58 am

gabriel

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Hi everyone

I a happy to post photos if somebody can explain how I can post photos using an iPad.

Cheers

    

10Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:08 am

gabriel

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I agree with Crazy Frog. 
I used an abrasive nylon brush attached to a hand drill at a high speed setting and a lubricant WD40. A nylon wheel was difficult to use on the engine and gearbox, final drive and swing arm.
This method will give you a nice çlean finish. 
Be careful you don't use excessive force or you might develop swirl marks on the cases. 
You are more likely to scratch the surface using steel brushes.
I don't think polishing the cases is realistic.
Vapour blasting is an option but you have to completely dismantle components. Lets not forget the cost.
Good luck.
I would live to post photos but don't know how.

    

11Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:35 am

JR_K100RS

JR_K100RS
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G'day All , there was a whole thread about using "sunlight" soap & steel wool , I use "velvet" soap & steel wool ( on the cases ) & they look great

John R

Melbourne Australia


__________________________________________________
Diamond Grey ( 617 ) 1987 K100RS ( European Delivery ) Original owner
    

12Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 7:02 pm

Dai

Dai
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aladin1 wrote:Hi Dai

I've just had a look at vapour blasting on YouTube and it looks very effective. I don't want to strip the engine any more than I have to as it is mechanically sound but the engine covers could be blasted if the surfaces are resealed during the process. Was your Guzzi engine a Matt finish after blasting or does the process leave the surface clean but smooth?

Regards Aladin1
It's more of a satin finish rather than anything else.


__________________________________________________
1983 K100 naked upgraded to K100LT spec after spending time as an RS and an RT
1987 K100RT
Others...
1978 Moto Guzzi 850-T3, 1979 Moto Guzzi 850-T3 California,1993 Moto Guzzi 1100ie California
2020 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
    

13Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 7:45 pm

Comberjohn

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Gabriel, can you describe the nylon brush used in a hand drill in a bit more detail?
Is it something you would buy in a hardware shop or tool store?
By the way, I can't upload pics from my iPad either.


__________________________________________________
Life is not a rehearsal.
2010 VFR 1200F DCT 
2010 R1200GS(gone)
1986 K100 Silver(gone)
2012 K1600GT(gone)
1984 K100RT Madison Silver(gone)
1989 K100LT Stratus Grey(gone)
1984 K100 Red(gone)
http://www.johnsdrivingschool.co
    

14Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:00 pm

Holister

Holister
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Comberjohn wrote:.....
By the way, I can't upload pics from my iPad either.
Nor from an Android device Engine cleaning 61740


__________________________________________________

1989 K100RT     VIN  0097367 (naked)  
1996 K1100RS   VIN  0451808
 Engine cleaning Austra12    Fuel:  95 Octane
Engine Oil: Nulon Full Synthetic 15W50
Gear Box Oil:  Nulon Synthetic 75W90
    

15Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:08 pm

gabriel

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Hardware stores usually stock these brushes.
Try and find an abrasive brush which will do the least damage to your cases..I prefer nylon brushes which are easier to handle and manoeuvre around the cases.
Josco is an Australian company which manufactures nylon brushes.
You will most likely have an equivalent product in your country.you don't need an expensive hand drill, but it's important that you select a high speed.
Try different speeds and you will notice when the nylon brush starts to clean your cases.
My engine was not corroded. Not certain how deteriated your cases are but I suggest you have a go.

    

16Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:49 pm

88

88
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This  type of brush  Gabriel?


__________________________________________________
Engine cleaning Ir-log1188....May contain nuts!Engine cleaning Ir-log11

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine from 1600 years ago & still true!

K1 - 1989 - AKA Titan (unique K1/K1100RS hybrid by Andreas Esterhammer)
K1100RS - 1995. AKA Rudolf Von Schmurf (in a million bits)
K100RS - 1991 AKA Ronnie. Cafe racer project bike
K75RTP - 1994
K75C - 1991 AKA Jim Beam. In boxes. 
K1100LT 1992 - AKA Big Red (gone)
K100LT - 1988 - AKA the Bullion brick. Should never have sold it.
    

17Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Thu Apr 16, 2015 1:59 pm

aladin1

aladin1
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Hi Dai

Satin finish is good for me. I think I'll have my covers vapour blasted and try the WD 40/nylon brush method on the engine block. 

Regards, Aladin1

    

18Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Thu Apr 16, 2015 5:36 pm

gabriel

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The image didn't download
Go to bunnings.com.au and do a search using the keyword "nylon brush".

    

19Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:18 pm

Holister

Holister
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Thanks gabriel. Nice tip. Cheers

Technical info including grit and rpm from here
http://www.josco.com.au/newsite/jia/products/brushware/josco/josco_an.htm

And this is interesting...
http://www.josco.com.au/newsite/jsf/brush_products/abrasive_nylon_brushes.htm


__________________________________________________

1989 K100RT     VIN  0097367 (naked)  
1996 K1100RS   VIN  0451808
 Engine cleaning Austra12    Fuel:  95 Octane
Engine Oil: Nulon Full Synthetic 15W50
Gear Box Oil:  Nulon Synthetic 75W90
    

20Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:24 pm

rosskko

rosskko
VIP
VIP
Check out Alexander McCarthy and his water (hydro) blasting

HYDRO

And his thread on his TIC resto

Also look at almost any thread started by MIKE P


__________________________________________________
1986 K100RT VIN 0093801K100RT with summer fairing for a northern visitor

Basic/2 6308802K100CJ  05/1988

K1100RS 0194321
    

21Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Fri Apr 17, 2015 7:09 pm

gabriel

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Hydroblasting us an option, so is gold plating....the issue is how much do you want to spend?
I believe BMW didn't paint the drivetrain including the engine for a reason.
I have seen many paintjobs ending up looking tacky..that's just my opinion...I might be wrong??
Why not keep up simple..less is better?
Cheers

    

22Back to top Go down   Engine cleaning Empty Re: Engine cleaning Sat Apr 18, 2015 5:29 pm

Crazy Frog

Crazy Frog
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Here is how the abnet works on cleaning.
As I am just starting to work on the bike, a big cleanup is required.
Here are the pictures of the final drive. I honestly didn't spend more than 2 minutes cleaning it.
I sprayed it, and 2 minutes after I took a nylon pad and water to rinse it. Even the oil came off when I rinsed it.

Don't ask about the oil marks on the FD.....
I had removed the speedo sensor and when I put the FD on the bench looking at the open hole, I said OH sh*&$!... I don't have anymore oil. I turned the FD upside down and realized my mistake. I was not looking at the filling hole where oil level should be at the bottom of the thread.

Before
Engine cleaning Dsc_3612
After
Engine cleaning Dsc_3613


__________________________________________________
Engine cleaning Frog15Engine cleaning Logo2101986 k75, 1985 K100rt, 1985 K100rt/EML GT2 sidecar, 1999 K1200lt/Hannigan Astro Sport sidecar.
    

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