The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Totally Off-Topic Discussions, Rants, Tire & Oil Threads, Etc. => Topic started by: Mike V on April 24, 2010, 07:19:38 PM
-
Things went incredibly smoothly today. The right side is buttoned up and hopefully tomorrow I can get the left done before an early honey-do dinner. Good thing I had a ring compressor, don't know if my fingertips could have taken the snug fit of those sharp new rings. And, I think I have the wire circlips figured out with just a scredriver blade, no more needle-nose pliers. I hate to see this coming to an end in a way guys. I hate to see all the beautiful machining and robust construction of these motors covered up. And, by the way, I realize the valve cover gasket is on wrong, I just threw it on there to take the picture. Gotta love these machines! Nothing like 'em. While I'm at it, thanks for all the guidence, correspondence and help.
http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Top%20End%20Assy%20Rt/
-
It is always nice to assemble shiny clean parts!
Unfortunately living on a dirt road as I do, nothing stays shiny and clean for very long.
-
Mike,
Beautiful! It really does get done. Just think about the nice riding coming up and that will take care of covering up all those shiny bits. ;)
-
I'd like to ask what product or method did you use exactly, Mike to get your boxers that clean. I have used a few things myself but they definitly didn't come out as clean looking as yours do in the pics.
-
Aristotle,
Hours and hours and hours of labor, put simply. The heads and cylinders were media blasted during their professional repair. The top cover, air box, and valve covers were powder coated while the timing chain chest cover was hand prepped and painted (high heat rattle can) by me, by hand. I spent many hours experimenting with the aluminum cases and covers. I found out the hard way a lot of these aluminum parts have different alloy mixes and don't respond to chemical treatment equally. Without boring you with all my failures, I found deep cleaning the surfaces thoroughly with diluted Simple Green, stiff grout brushes, and brakleen then a dry rub with a green industrial scotchbrite pad the best and most consistant procedure. The challenge was getting a clean consistant surface without polishing or buffing the integrity of the natural pitted surface. No acid based chemicals were used, or WD40. I experimented with many over the counter acid chemical solutions on a spare oil pan with no success towards the finish I was in search for. I would have rather have had the entire engine media blasted but the engine was never completely disassembled and I would not endanger the engine for fear of abrasive media material penetration.
-
There just ain't no substitute for sweat equity, eh Mike? [smiley=thumbup.gif]
Monte