Best way to clean Laverda engine crankcase and block ,engine still in frame??

Paul,

I am right in thinking that the Bicarbonate of Soda from a pool shop is the same thing.  25kg (55lb) bags here in Sydney seem to be about the same price as you quoted...

A mate of mine reckons that if you protect the frame with gaffer tape - or something with a bit of give in it as opposed to a hard finish - then the soda will not harm it and the paint work should be OK.  Plan to test that out before giving this a go on the hardstand of the marina I'm based at over the Christmas break..

Yogi

Yogi
 
Paul, I just assembled a Mirage that has been in storage for over 15 years. It was a mess. I used oven cleaner on the motor. I needed to polish the cases and valve covers so I was too worried about that finish. However I was careful and nothing got on the cases.
When done, it exceeded my expectations.
 
I tried a few lotions and potions but the cleaner the engine got the more the casting imperfections showed up.
Similar to Terry Diamond I got a lovely consistent matt grey finish using penetrating fluid(mostly kerosine), but I used scotchbrite pads and toothbrushes to scour the surface.
It is all cheap as chips and I believe the finished product is durable and very good looking.
Bit of elbow grease needed though!!!

SimonR
 
truckwash is pretty good and used by most major brand car dealers in the UK (BMW, Landrover etc.). It does not harm paint as long as you don't leave it on. It will clean off cast alloy (as long as it can get through the crud), BUT....it will harm the finish of anodised aluminium. Pretty sure it contains phosphoric acid.

Oven cleaner also good, but sure as hell bu@@ers up paint  :D

Once you have clean cases - wax 'em!! Stops crud accumulating so bad. Tried all sorts and Turtle wax is the best for cast alloy (leaves a VERY faint green tint).

Pete
 
Paul,

That's great. It does a pretty good job without all the hassle and the bicarb does a good job of killing the grass. I might start using it more often just to avoid doing the mowing.

Chris
 
After cleaning I use a silicone spray on the castings.  This really does make future washing easier for quite a while, trouble is I forget to reapply it as often as I probably should!  I haven't tried the wax idea, just squirting on silicone is so easy but maybe wax would last longer?
 
prevention is better than cure...fit a sexy mudflap like mine. actually it doesn't look so bad if you shape it a little a certainly stops a loa d of crap from spoiling your pride and joy.. ;)
Nick7
 
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