General Cleaning engine parts

[Paolo66]

I've replaced the original 500 engine with a 650 engine and now as a little side project I want to strip, inspect and rebuild the original engine. What's the best (and easiest) way to get all the engine parts squeaky clean. I don't really want to have to pay out for shot blasting if I can avoid it.
Cheers

 

[Bigvtwin996]

tinwear the only real way is blasting.. for the cost you'd spend a lot longer trying to DIY.
Well for the crankcase and alloy parts, and other stuff you really want to try.....

The dishwasher!!! yes!! do it when the missus is out.. or
I know people who have brought S/H ones to use for cleaning motorbike parts etc...
Just don't let stuff sit afterwards .. make sure it is all dry.

For carbon on the head/pistons.. i believe coke or oven cleaner are the way to go first...

 

[ianhunterv8]

I have heard soda blasting is the new way forward. Don't know any details!

Ian

 

[Bambino]

In my case the only parts I needed to clean were the crankcase and front chain cover. I had them dipped and bead blasted - it's the only reliable way of getting rid of all of the grime. From memory, it didn't cost much either.

Chris

 

[the hobbler]

The best way to clean alloy parts is 'aqua blasting'--this system will not damage 'gasket' surfaces, but will bring up alloy surfaces beautifully. Aqua blasting involves a very fine abrasive medium being blasted in conjunction with water- my local man has just done a great job on brake caliper parts (didn't initially realise that the parts I was looking at and admiring were in fact mine!) and quoted me £30 for a 500/126 cylinder head. good system