Engine paint prep Tips

[Dave Fowler]

Hi,

A good friend of mine was having a few personal problems, so he decided to sell me his CBR600 for next to nothing, and a fine motorcycle it is too, but thats another story.... Anyway, I made a VERY half-hearted attempt to sell my GS before it occured to me that I just couldn't do it, so I decided to keep it and do a cheap (typical GS owner right!) but thourough restoration job on her to make her lovely and shiny, whilst still having a bike to ride for the summer. I removed the engine (by myself without a jack which was a bit tricky!) and I'm wondering if anyone has got any tips reagrding the removal of the flaky paint, subsequent de-greasing and repainting. My (already underway) plan is:

1. Wire brush
2. folded up sand paper for between the fins
3. Chemical degreaser/steam cleaning (repeating as necessary).
4. Spray paint with amazing hard as nails paint that will never chip and always look shiny and beautiful.
5. Put on coffee table in my living room and admire my handy work.

I am currently slaving away in stages 1 and 2, so if any of you have any hints, they would be much appreciated.
And BTW, I know shot blasting would be a whole lot easier, but I'm FAR to tight for that!

Thanks

Dave Fowler

[MarkusN]

OK, so you have already started with the mechanical means. Why not try a chemical paint stripper first? there are types around that work well on Aluminium

[JLKasper]

If it was me, I wouldn't worry so much with prepwork on the engine cases;  I'd concentrate on the engine sidecovers and the valve cover.  Paint the cases and fins whatever color high temperature paint you have available over there.  I'd strip the sidecovers down and give them a proper polishing, then clearcoat them.  I'd also strip the valve and oil filter covers and get them just shiny.  I'd polish the ends of the valve cover, and leave the rest au naturel and clearcoat them.