Thread: Best way to clean up the exterior of a head??

Well..... I am at that point finally. Engine is together, piston and jug have been installed, Cam timing chain and tensioner parts are in place and looking good. Next comes the head. I have 4 to choose from and pretty much eleminated 2 of them. I am going for a stock rebuild at the moment versus a modified(which will come later based on available cash flow). Compared to the engine, the head looks like crap. I have quite a few head parts, covers etc. to work with.

What is the best method to clean everything up?? Is glass beading the only choice?? Can these be painted?? What are my (low cost) options??

As always - I look forward to your advice.

Stephen

Thank You

Stephen

there has been some real good information on polishing on this site.I use a 4 inch mini grinder with a wire brush wheel and it cleans well and can get between the fins,its a real improvement and doesnt take long

You could also blast it with baking soda. You can make a gun for about 5 bucks and a box of soda for 3 so for about 8-10 you would have a nice stock quality finish on your head.

Originally Posted by mrichard

You could also blast it with baking soda. You can make a gun for about 5 bucks and a box of soda for 3 so for about 8-10 you would have a nice stock quality finish on your head.

I would be very interested in learning more - If the information is readily available.

---------- Post added at 10:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 PM ----------

Originally Posted by knucklebuster2

there has been some real good information on polishing on this site.I use a 4 inch mini grinder with a wire brush wheel and it cleans well and can get between the fins,its a real improvement and doesnt take long

Lack of tools to get between the fins. I would love to see a pic of which wire wheel you are refering to. I wish I could just bake it in the oven coated with EZ-Off or something.....................

Originally Posted by Smooooth

I would be very interested in learning more - If the information is readily available.

AircooledTech's Tools-On-The-Cheap - DIY Soda Blaster

Way Cool - Thank You

Stephen

Unless you do this on the bike assembled,If you soda or media blast,better make sure you take the valves out,if you get that stuff in the head where it shouldnt be and residuals exist it wont be long before you have more troubles.

Just wash it off it disolves easily with water. It sounds like the head is off the bike anyway? I'm talking about the soda. Media, or bead does not disolve.

Mike

im not sure if its on/off Mike

I have 4 heads that are off the engines. One is not worth working on. Second one is questionable. The other two look really good. Cams and Rockers etc have all been removed. Looking at building a homemade valve spring compression tool using a C-Clamp, rubber pad, and a 'yet to be determined' compression end. Also going to pick up a valve lapping kit. Thought about doing a 'Port and Polish', but after reading some of the threads is seems not worth it on a stock setup. Probably going to build a 'Stock' head for now and play around with the other one later.

Engine is mostly back together. Picked the best piston of the group that was at the high end of the specs, new rings, best jug, etc. Went through and grabbed the best pieces for the timing chain, gears, guides, and tensioner parts.

This has been a slow process and have enjoyed every loooong minute.

I think I will go to Harbor Freight today and look for that Air Gun.

Thank you everyone

Stephen