Engine Case Finish - Clear KZ900 Style

Fellas, I have done the search thing looking for "factory finish" in this engine section, but do not find what I'm looking for.

Were the original engines clear coated? I don't see any evidence of it on mine. I'm doing a re-ring and valve guide replace soon at the same time I fix a leaking base gasket.
While I've got it apart I want to correct the finish. I want to return my cylinders and top-end to their original semi-gloss clear. Like most, mine have turned dull and stained from years of neglect and age/oxidation.

I am looking for how the factory did it, please. I won't use the mag wheel or Easy-Off, Sno-Bol, not even air conditioning coil acid cleaner - I've done that and those don't restore factory finishes. Bead blasting with new glass produces a clean "dull" finish that will turn ugly again over time. It's a great way to get the oxidation off, but it won't match the factory's technique.

Input needed.

Thanks,
Gordon

the stock cases block and head are not coated that im aware of,just shiny new castings.

Gordon, I don't know if this is what you are looking for as far as a finish but it is by far one of the nicest I've ever seen. It is done by vapor blasting you can check out pics at www.piczo.com/z900?g=12996144&cr=5

I don't know where you might have it done here in the states but I'm sure someone out there does it.

That is a very nice example of a KZ900 BTW. I wish the one I have looked that good.

Thanks. I'm going to keep looking for a means of restoring the original finish. That vapor blasting looks much better than the dry glass beads I normally use.

Here is my CB750 that I built last year and my old H1 I just finished - both have had their cylinders and heads done with glass beads - clean yes, shiny - no. And the CB is already showing signs of aging due to porosity. My carbs come out nice and clean, but they too age too quickly.

I'm going to mask-up a blasted carb and drop it into my vibrating polisher for a few days - just to see how the finish comes out. I don't have one large enough for the cylinders though, but it would be nice to find a blast media that could give the same smoothing effect.

Gordon

I'm in the same boat. I love the look of that vapor blasting but I can't find anyone in the states to do it.

Has anyone tried blasting with a softer media, walnut or corn cobb perhaps?

I'm going to play around with some things. Walnut shells is one of them, plastic is another. I've got several old oxidized carbs and if I can find something that workson them, I'll try a cylinder or head. I've got some Kawi triple jugs and heads I can experiment with.

I'll post the results.

Regards,
Gordon

I'm in the same boat - doing a complete rebuild. I was told that the closest thing to vapor blasting is actually soda blasting. Soda can be purchased very reasonably at feed and grain stores. The advantage also is that you can roll the engine outside and do it in the open. Makes a mess until next rain fall and it all disappears - or just hose the driveway down. You can use any blasting equipment.

At least that is what I was told - comments?

I made a quick google for vapor blasting, and came up with this: www.gullindustries.com/honing.htm Now you all may be way ahead of me, but I thought that since this was in Texas, it would be a reasonable suggestion. They do say that the process is preparatory to plating. What type of plating would be suitable for cases,jugs and heads?

I am also a good bit ahead of myself. My 81 1000 CSR is not ready yet for this kind of work, but since you all are going through the discussion, I may be forearmed for when my time comes. Thanks, you guys. Switch

(Soda blast) leaves a gorgeous finish ! I had some done on my 69 camaro a few days ago. I decided to have the guy do some bike parts for me after a few test. Google soda blasting for more info but the finish is fantastic.

I tried some 24 grit walnut shells. It cleans dirt and other stuff off but it doesn't cut anything so it will not get oxidation off.

I'm gonna try to get some 320 grit glass bead, I think it will be kinda what I am looking for. A buddy of mine said they had some plastic media where he works, hes gonna try to get me some.