Cleaning Engine alloy

[kwaka]

While ive got my engine apart for what now has become a major rebuilt, thanks to a chewed up output shaft bearing , Iwas wondering the best way to bring the alloy back to factory condition. Was it chemically cleaned, bead blasted or some other technique used to get it brite. I also noticed that there is a remnant of what appears to be a clear laquer, which has mostly peeled and yellowed over the years, is it worth re-applying this laquer?

[london calling]

Not to sure about the exact factory finish,but personally I'd say that laquer is a no-no as it tends to turn yellow over time.
If you want your alloy cases professionally polishing then Z1OC member Mikey is your man,great work at a great price.
Otherwise it's Solvol and plenty of elbow grease

[phil churchett]

Kwaka, you can get the remains of the lacquer off by dabbing paint stripper on it. Then lots of Solvol and rubbing

[steve f]

Vapour blast is the best original finish you can get

[Obr]

Vapourblasted

[z1bnackerkwacker]

While ive got my engine apart for what now has become a major rebuilt, thanks to a chewed up output shaft bearing , Iwas wondering the best way to bring the alloy back to factory condition. Was it chemically cleaned, bead blasted or some other technique used to get it brite. I also noticed that there is a remnant of what appears to be a clear laquer, which has mostly peeled and yellowed over the years, is it worth re-applying this laquer?

Nitromors, wet n dry, wire wool and shit lots of hard work if you're on a tight budget...

[kwaka]

Not sure what nitromors or solvol is, i'm not from the UK. Over my way, Solvol is a heavy-duty hand soap. Are they some kind of rubbing compounds?

[Steve Cooke]

Nitromors is a paint stripper while solvol autosol is a cream metal polish.

[Phil50]

I have just had my engine Vapour blasted and it looks fair. However using solvol on the finish tended to just blacken it and it seems to attract dirt.

I visited an old friend who had his Z1B entire engine professionaly restored by Stephen Smethhurst. www.aloh.co.uk I have to say I wish I had paid the slight extra and had him do it.

The finish is better than a brand new factory product. I even photographed it I was so impressed.

Stephen is not that expensive and like all things in life, you get what you pay for. The people who vapour blasted my bits didn't even plug the threads up and the fins still have a slight herring bone effect.
Phil

[z1bnackerkwacker]

I have just had my engine Vapour blasted and it looks fair. However using solvol on the finish tended to just blacken it and it seems to attract dirt.

I visited an old friend who had his Z1B entire engine professionaly restored by Stephen Smethhurst. www.aloh.co.uk I have to say I wish I had paid the slight extra and had him do it.

The finish is better than a brand new factory product. I even photographed it I was so impressed.

Stephen is not that expensive and like all things in life, you get what you pay for. The people who vapour blasted my bits didn't even plug the threads up and the fins still have a slight herring bone effect.
Phil

S.S Not that expensive ?, Sure he won't do it for less than ?20 and you don't have to pull the motor apart if you do it yourself, with all alloy polishes solvol or soap and mop, it will start black but you can get mirror finish if you work at it (i'm aware people don't want that on the block)...The problem is keeping it nice afterwards, unless you have dry garage....