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Cleaning engine mating surfaces
- ZeffRides
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I'm working on the engine to a 1976 KZ400S and I currently have the top end dissembled. While the block and head are off, the mating surfaces should be easy enough to clean the old gasket off of, however my concern lies with the crankcase gasket surface. What is the best way to prevent the gasket remover and the remains of the old gasket from falling down into the crankcase while cleaning? Will a rag stuffed down into the base of the cylinders be sufficient?
Also, is it frowned upon to use a brass bristle brush or wheel in my dremel to clean off the stubborn gasket?
Thanks in advance.
1976 KZ750B1
1978 CB750K
2002 BMW 530i 5-speed
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- KZB2 650
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1978 KZ650 b-2
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.
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- SWest
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- 10 22 2014
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Steve
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- Olajoe
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- Nessism
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- ZeffRides
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Is it safe to soak the head and block in a degreaser like purple power? I'm going to do exterior cleaning as well while i've got it apart.
1976 KZ750B1
1978 CB750K
2002 BMW 530i 5-speed
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- Nessism
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ZeffRides wrote: Alright I'll pick some of that up from the local auto parts store and give that a try. I'll post before and after pics hopefully later this week when I have some time to work on it.
Is it safe to soak the head and block in a degreaser like purple power? I'm going to do exterior cleaning as well while i've got it apart.
Negative on that purple stuff. It's super harsh and will corrode the aluminum.
I use an old chlorine tablet bucket with a lid. Put the head or cylinder inside, dump a gallon of carb dip in the bucket, install the lid and shake every time I remember. The dip will soften the baked on crud and carbon after a few days. Works great.
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- ZeffRides
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Nessism wrote:
Negative on that purple stuff. It's super harsh and will corrode the aluminum.
Phew glad I asked on the purple stuff! Thanks!
1976 KZ750B1
1978 CB750K
2002 BMW 530i 5-speed
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- wrenchmonkey
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I did this a lot on old VW engines with great success - apply a little grease on the edges of the case where you will clean, this way the grease kinda' holds all the "shavings" together and sticks to the razor blade as you scrape it off. Ditto on being uber careful with the blade to not knick the casings.
This trick also works when you may have to machine a part of the case (like drilling out an old stud / bolt boss. Putting some grease on the drill bit helps to collect the filings/shavings on the bit.
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- SWest
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- bountyhunter
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I crammed blue shop rags into the area where the rods come up and tucked them in at the edges. I used a single sided razor blade and my wife's vacuum..... scrape a few inches then slurp up the crud so it can't work it's way into the engine.ZeffRides wrote: Hello all,
I'm working on the engine to a 1976 KZ400S and I currently have the top end dissembled. While the block and head are off, the mating surfaces should be easy enough to clean the old gasket off of, however my concern lies with the crankcase gasket surface. What is the best way to prevent the gasket remover and the remains of the old gasket from falling down into the crankcase while cleaning? Will a rag stuffed down into the base of the cylinders be sufficient?
Also, is it frowned upon to use a brass bristle brush or wheel in my dremel to clean off the stubborn gasket?
Thanks in advance.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
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- daveo
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bountyhunter wrote:
I crammed blue shop rags into the area where the rods come up and tucked them in at the edges. I used a single sided razor blade and my wife's vacuum..... scrape a few inches then slurp up the crud so it can't work it's way into the engine.ZeffRides wrote: Hello all,
I'm working on the engine to a 1976 KZ400S and I currently have the top end dissembled. While the block and head are off, the mating surfaces should be easy enough to clean the old gasket off of, however my concern lies with the crankcase gasket surface. What is the best way to prevent the gasket remover and the remains of the old gasket from falling down into the crankcase while cleaning? Will a rag stuffed down into the base of the cylinders be sufficient?
Also, is it frowned upon to use a brass bristle brush or wheel in my dremel to clean off the stubborn gasket?
Thanks in advance.
I'll bet the wife was glad you lubricated the vacuum for her. :whistle:
1982 KZ1100-A2
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