Purchased 1979 XS1100...????

[jetmechmarty]

WD40 does an OK job of dissolving the goo on your engine.

[cywelchjr]

I use purple power. It works really well, just don't let it get fully dry on the bare allow or it will cause it to turn white on you. But I've not seen much it won't cut through as far as grease and grime.

[jmacsuga]

Haven't posted in awhile....new photos....CLEANING STILL!!!

More photos at http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha for your viewing pleasure!!! It has been cold here, and I haven't been doing much, but got some done in the last few days. Bike is now completely dismantled, and am really going to town on the frame getting ready for painting. The front steering mechanism was completely gummed up so I am glad I took that apart too!!! I bought a steamer, and it sure does a good job. Still trying to get the engine clean, but not having much luck. I guess I will just take it apart and completely check it all out and bead blast the jugs!!! I have been doing a lot of reading from you really talented people, and as I start the reassembly process, I will let you know how I do. Jim

[crazy steve]

...Still trying to get the engine clean, but not having much luck. I guess I will just take it apart and completely check it all out and bead blast the jugs!!!

Before you tear the motor apart, you could try these:http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piec...kit-95947.html. I bought one of these kits and a half-dozen .49 stainless 'toothbrushes' and along with a gallon of solvent, got mine from this....
[IMG][/IMG]

...to this...
[IMG][/IMG]

... in about 10 hours. And mine was nasty, really nasty, as the PO had run it for a considerable amount of time with the plug from the cam tensioner missing and the stuff was thoroughly baked-on. Plus a bunch of road tar that was never cleaned off.. I even had gravel stuck to the front!

Lots of picking and brushing, but less expensive than a new gasket set...

[jmacsuga]

Down to the Frame and working a little on it!

Hi, All!!! Well, the weather is improving (above 40 degrees most days) and I have been doing a little work now. Down to the frame, and sanded and now I just got the first coat of primer on the frame. I have posted some more photos (yam73 thru yam76) just to show I haven't been completely idle!!! You can see all the photos at http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha but if you have been following, just go to the bottom of the page and see the above numbers.
Note to CrazySteve: I did buy those brushes you suggested, and I tried a little and they seem to be working. I will post some more photos as I progress. Thanks for the suggestion!!!!

Jim

[jimbyjimb]

+1 for Purple Power. I squirt some on, let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute and brush it. It peels grease off a motor faster than I can peel a grapefruit. And I eat A LOT of grapefruit. Might want to be careful around paint and brakes though. A little won't hurt but don't use as a soap substitute is all I'm saying.

[crazy steve]

+1 for Purple Power. I squirt some on, let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute and brush it. It peels grease off a motor faster than I can peel a grapefruit. And I eat A LOT of grapefruit. Might want to be careful around paint and brakes though. A little won't hurt but don't use as a soap substitute is all I'm saying.

Be careful with that stuff; make sure you thoroughly rinse with water and don't let it dry on aluminum.

[Schming]

Easy Off Oven Cleaner

"Still trying to get the engine clean, but not having much luck."

http://www.easyoff.us/sf1.shtml

I've used the fume free type with good results for baked on grit and grime.
Til I visited their site I wasn't aware of the "cooktop cleaner" which can be used on chrome. I might have to try it sometime. HTH

[crazy steve]

http://www.easyoff.us/sf1.shtml

I've used the fume free type with good results for baked on grit and grime.
Til I visited their site I wasn't aware of the "cooktop cleaner" which can be used on chrome. I might have to try it sometime. HTH

Don't EVER use oven cleaner on aluminum!!! It literally eats the metal, and will make it spongy/brittle.

BAD IDEA....

[trbig]

Don't know if that's what's in it, but keep acetone away from aluminum as well.