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Engine DetailingEngine Detailing by David W. Bynon Copyright (c) 2002 -- All Rights Reserved I'm sure I don't need to tell you how bad a dirty engine makes your whole bike look. Did you know a well-detailed engine increases the resale value of your bike? It's a well known fact that people who take the time and effort to keep the engine perfectly detailed take better care of their bikes in general. Your bike mechanic also realizes that a clean engine belongs to someone who cares for their ride, and they will take the time to do repairs and service work correctly. Engine detailing is nothing more than cleaning, polishing and treating the exterior of your motorcycle's engine. It's very easy to do, and requires no more than an hour every month or so. The first step in cleaning your bike's engine is to warm it up a bit. The best temperature for cleaning an engine is warm to the touch, but not hot. If you're able to hold your hand to the engine without saying "ouch", then the temperature is just about right. Next, remove panels, covers or faring components that prevent you from getting at most of the engine. It might even include removing the gas tank. If you have not done this level of cleaning before, you should take time to familiarize yourself with your bike. In almost all cases, you can remove the seat, tank and covers by loosening a couple of fasteners. The next very important step is to prepare your engine for getting wet. Most bike engines are fully sealed; however, if you remove your air cleaner for better access, you need to stuff a small rag in the carburetor opening. Likewise, if you removed your tank or seat and exposed sensitive electronics, wrap them to prevent water saturation. Now you're ready to apply an engine degreaser. I do not recommend the use of petroleum based cleaners on motorcycles. While they quickly cut though grease and grime, they also deteriorate rubber and vinyl components (not to mention what it does to our environment!). As an alternative, use a good citrus-based cleaner. My favorites are S100 Total Cycle Cleaner (strong) and Eimann Fabrik Engine Degreaser (very strong). When applying your engine degreaser, it's best to start from the bottom and work your way up. This prevents the degreaser from dripping on you as you clean the underside areas. One important thing to remember, the engine degreaser will remove the wax from the painted surfaces of your bike. If your get degreaser over-spray on your fenders, faring, and other areas, plan on re-waxing. When you have applied the degreaser, be sure to wash any excess cleaner from the painted surfaces. Depending on the amount of accumulated grease and dirt, allow the degreaser to soak on the engine for three to five minutes. Do not allow the degreaser to dry on your engine. For light to mild levels of grease, you will not need to use a brush on the engine and other surfaces. For heavy soil, you can use a 1-inch round brush (parts brush) and bike wash solution to provide additional cleaning action prior to hosing off the degreaser. Hose down the entire engine and surrounding surfaces with plenty of water to remove the degreaser. If you're using a high-pressure nozzle, be careful that you don't get the nozzle too close. Rinse well. Remove towels or plastic bags used to cover sensitive parts. The heat from the engine will assist in the drying process; however, do not allow the engine to air dry, as this will result in water spots. If you have an air compressor, use it to blow your engine dry. Some people also like using a leaf blower. When dry, start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Don't allow the engine to get hot. When everything is dry and your engine has cooled, you can apply a coating of rubber protectant to your hoses, wires, and plastic shields. To add a quick shine and protection to the painted and chrome surfaces, use a high quality detailing spray. I highly recommend Eimann Fabrik Clear Pearl for this purpose. Just spray it on all surfaces, and wipe up the excess with a clean terrycloth towel. If the black paint on your engine is grey and dirty, use S100 Engine Brightener. This excellent product will restore a factory-new look to dull, once-black paints, plastics and rubber. S100 Engine Brightener holds up to numerous washings and rainstorms, keeping your bike’s engine looking great, longer. I recommend the following cleaners and conditioners: 1. S100 Total Cycle Cleaner 2. Eimann Fabrik Engine Degreaser 3. 303 Aerospace Protectant 4. S100 Engine Brightner 5. Eimann Fabrik Clear Pearl |
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