how to clean motorcycle engine
If you own a motorcycle, then you already know how important it is to ensure that your bike is in good condition at all times. The engine is sometimes disregarded despite being one of the most essential components of a motorcycle. It is possible for the engine fins to quickly become clogged with dirt and debris, which can lead to a decrease in performance and possibly cause the engine to be damaged. In this article, we will demonstrate how to properly clean the engine fins on your motorcycle so that it runs like new!
Motorcycles include engine fins to help with heat dissipation of the engine, which is accomplished by increasing air circulation over the engine’s extended surface area.
The engine will overheat as a result of the accumulation of dirt and oil on the fins because the fins will not be able to dissipate heat as effectively. It is necessary for you to remove the dirt from the fins.
So, how exactly does one clean the fins on a motorbike engine? The following are the primary steps involved in cleaning the engine fins:
- Allowing the engine to cool down
- Prepare the cleaning mixture
- Spray high pressure water on fins
- Use brush to clean the dirt
- Water cleaning at last to wrap up
Before we get into the specifics of each of these stages, let’s first examine the reasons why fins need to be cleaned and what the criteria are for doing so.
Why do engine fins need cleaning?
As the development of motorbikes progressed, numerous new types of cooling systems, such as those that use liquid or oil to cool the engine, were introduced. Even after the development of more effective cooling systems, the traditional motorcycle fins and air-cooled systems are still widely used; this is especially true in the case of many motorcycles with lower price tags.
Aluminum is used for the construction of the engine fins. Cast iron or aluminum alloys will be used in the construction of the actual engine itself. The following is an explanation of the many materials that are used to construct an engine block.
Over time, the fins acquire a dirty appearance as a result of their continued contact to the elements and the mechanical fluid.
There are primarily two kinds of situations in which the engine fins need to be cleaned.
- For restoration of old motorcycles: Rusting is a problem that will inevitably arise in your motorcycle as it ages due to the natural process of aging. Because of this, your engine can have certain anomalies, which would lead to fading. As a direct consequence of this, the engine’s operation can become less efficient.
- To prevent the motorcycles from overheating: If you’ve had your motorcycle for a few years and it’s been running smoothly, you might have noticed that the engine frequently gets too hot. This typically occurs when the fins on your motorcycle become dirty as a result of dust particles entering the engine, which prevents the engine from dissipating heat as quickly.
It takes a very long time for the engine fins to become dirty. However, after dirt and grease have collected, they become less effective because the passage of air begins to become clogged. Furthermore, if the dirt that has accumulated has a grease base, it will draw more dust particles from the environment if it is not cleaned as soon as possible. This happens if the dirt is not cleansed. The life of the engine as a whole and the engine itself can both be increased by keeping the fins clean.
What should you know before cleaning fins?
The process of cleaning fins is more difficult than it sounds. The cleaning procedure that must be followed is a pretty straightforward one. However, there are a few key pieces of information that one must be aware of before stepping up towards their motorcycles.
- By opening the engine cover, you can clean the fins on the motorcycle, which is a good practice, but it is preferable to take them apart and clean them that way. In order to successfully open the fins, you will need some background information regarding the components and operations of the engine. Although this method of cleaning may need additional time and effort, the end results are fantastic. We are able to easily clean every nook and cranny of our fins thanks to this method.
- Brush kind: The result of the cleaning will be strongly impacted by the type of brush that was used. Because of their superior reach, brushes with a greater number of and longer bristles are highly recommended for use in confined areas. Although they are effective, wire brushes inevitably leave behind scratches. Therefore, it is recommended to use gentle brushes.
- Sanding parts for Dremel: These sanding bits are wonderful for individuals who wish to improve the appearance of something. These sanding bits are too large to go in between the fins, but they do an excellent job of smoothing down the edges. It is not required for cleaning, but rather depends on the individual’s choice for doing so.
- Sandpaper is characterized by a very low thickness and a very abrasive surface texture. Due to the fact that it is so slender, it can easily slide between the fins, and due to the roughness of its surface, it can readily cut through the dirt and sweep it away. The effectiveness of the sandpaper can be improved by rolling it up and wrapping it around a metal file with a flat edge.
Equipment and materials required
- Brush: There is a great deal of diversity available in the market nowadays for cleaning brushes to choose from. If, on the other hand, a motorcycle is washed on a daily basis, the accumulated dirt should be able to be removed without much effort with the assistance of a gentle brush. It’s important that the brush you use has bristles. These kinds of brushes are recommended since they do not leave behind any scratch marks.
- Degreaser: Degreasers are effective tools for eliminating light to moderate dirt particles, depending on their concentration. At home, you can make it by combining 1 cup of white vinegar that has been distilled, 1/4 cup of soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a couple drops of lemon juice or essential oils in a container. Put all of these ingredients into a bowl and then add some water.
- Buffing Polish: This is a non-essential item, but using it will make the fins look as gleaming as they did when they were first installed.
How to clean engine fins?
Cleaning the fins on an engine can be done in a variety of different ways. However, each and every one of them is directly proportional to the state that the fins are in.
It is possible to determine the state of the fins by performing an exterior examination and analyzing the cleaning cycles that it has undergone to this point. Even after considering all of the exclusions, the fundamental cleaning process for fins remains the same. When cleaning the engine fins, there are a few different approaches that need to be followed.
#1: Allow the engine to cool down
Even after the addition of fins, the engine continues to overheat. Even though the heat that is reduced by the fins is advantageous to the engine, the heat that is still left behind is severe for our skin.
Burns and other injuries are possible if a motorcycle is cleaned too soon after it has been driven. Waiting for the motorcycle to reach its normal operating temperature before beginning maintenance on it is the most effective strategy to avoid this problem.
#2: Prepare the cleaning mixture
The maintenance schedule determines the type of dirt that accumulates on the motorcycle’s fins over time. The dirt can range from being very light to extremely heavy. In order to make headway against such filth, we will need to concoct our own customized cleaning solution.
This concoction is not complete without lukewarm water, liquid grease-cutting dish soap, or both. To further improve the degreasing capabilities, you may also use some baking soda, vinegar, and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
#3: Spray high pressure water on fins
Spraying the fins with water as the initial phase of the cleaning process is highly recommended. It is important that the water pressure is as high as it can possibly be.
Because of the strong water pressure, the water will be able to cut through the heavy layers of dirt and break them up into smaller pieces. However, extreme caution is required when carrying out these steps. It is imperative that you steer clear of areas such as electrical wiring, air boxes, air filters, and any other components that are susceptible to water damage.
#4: Brushing
The primary step in the process of cleaning engine fins is brushing. After you have used water to loosen the dirt and scraped away a few layers of dirt, it is time to use a brush to remove the remaining dirt and oil from the fins.
The brushing process must always be carried out one layer at a time, beginning at the highest fin and working your way down. It is important to use soft, gentle strokes when brushing the hair.
In order to prevent dirt from adhering to the subsequent layer, the brush needs to be rinsed with water as soon as each layer is finished being cleaned. Each time you perform a new layer of cleaning, dip the brush in the cleaning solution.
#5: Water cleaning to wrap up
After you have removed the dirt from each of the layers of the fins, there is just one more step that has to be completed. To clean the fins, spray high-pressure water from jets in a circular motion.
That ought to be more than plenty for performing a comprehensive cleaning of the engine fins. You can apply a buffing polish to give the fins a shine if you’re concerned about their appearance, but this step is optional.
Related Questions
Why is it important to clean engine fins?
Clogged fins inhibit the normal dissipation of heat from the engine, which prevents the engine from running for longer lengths of time. This allows the engine to run for longer durations of time. Therefore, engine fins must to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to facilitate simpler heat removal from the engine.
Are radiator fins and engine fins the same?
There is a difference between the fins on a radiator and the fins on an engine.
The functioning of both of the fins is accomplished in a comparable manner. Both of the fins are utilized to steer the wind in the desired direction. The positioning of both of these fins, however, is distinct from one another. Fins for the radiator are located in front of the radiator, whereas fins for the engine are inserted in the shell of the engine.
How to remove oxidation from engine fins?
Acid and baking soda are the two components that are essential for removing oxidation from any area of the engine, including the fins. The engine should first be cleaned with acid, and then the final step should be to spray it with a mixture of baking soda and water.
What parts should I cover before cleaning?
Before you begin cleaning the engine fins, you need to make every effort to protect any delicate or non-water resistant parts that are in the area. Protecting electrical components, such as the battery, ignition wires, engine control unit, and everything else that has to do with electricity, is essential.
How can I get rid of the white corrosion that has formed on the aluminum engine?
The removal of white corrosion or any other type of corrosion can be accomplished by first mixing distilled water with pure lemon juice or vinegar, and then rubbing the resulting combination over the region of the fin or engine surface that has been affected by corrosion.
What exactly are the fins on the motorcycle engine?
The metal vanes that are visible on the sides of a motorcycle’s engine are referred to as the engine fins. These are there to assist in the removal of heat produced by the engine. The metal is cooled by the air as it flows through the fins, which assists in preventing the engine from overheating. When it comes to cooling, fins with a bigger surface area are superior to those with a smaller one. It is not always essential for individuals to add more fins to the engine of their motorcycle in order to get the desired level of cooling; yet, some people do this. Your engine should maintain its temperature as long as there is sufficient fin area. Just make sure that none of the airflows leading to the radiator or oil cooler are obstructed in any way. Should you choose to do so, you risk your vehicle’s engine becoming overheated.
Where can I purchase motorbike engine fins, and how much would it set me back?
You may get motorbike engine fins either online or in businesses that are physically located near you. You should anticipate to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 for a pair of fins, but the price may vary based on the retailer you buy them from. When you go shopping, it is important to read customer reviews to ensure that you are purchasing a good product. Additionally, check to see if the make and model of your motorcycle are compatible with the fins you intend to use. You shouldn’t have any trouble selecting the appropriate pair of fins for your bike if you put in a little bit of study into the matter.
How do you clean the fins on the motorcycle engine?
The cooling system of your motorcycle absolutely cannot function properly without the engine fins. They do this by increasing the surface area that is exposed to the air, which in turn helps the heat to escape. The efficiency of the fins, on the other hand, can be diminished over time if they become clogged with dirt and other material. You will be relieved to learn that cleaning the engine fins is an easy task that can be done at home with only a few common items found around the house. To get started, get a gentle brush and remove any debris that is loose. After that, make a solution of soap and water and use it to scrape away any filth that is resistant to being removed. After you’ve finished, make sure to give the fins a good rinsing to get rid of any leftover cleanser. You can repeat this process using a more powerful solvent, such as a degreaser, if you feel that the fins are not yet as clean as you would like them to be. After the fins have been washed and rinsed, pat them dry with a clean, soft towel before proceeding to reassemble your motorcycle. You can extend the life of your bike and keep the engine running cooler with very little effort on your part if you follow these simple tips.
How do you clean the fins on a motorbike engine by using soap and kerosene?
The cooling fins on the engine of your motorcycle can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, which can cause the engine to overheat. The good news is that cleaning the engine fins is a reasonably simple process that can be done at home with basic household cleansers. To begin, fill a bucket with soap and kerosene and mix them together until they are thoroughly combined. The next step is to scrub the solution onto the fins using an old toothbrush or another type of brush. Be sure to brush in both directions in order to loosen any dirt that is particularly tenacious. After you have cleansed the entire region, you should then use clean water to rinse the fins. To get rid of all the filth and grime, you might have to perform this procedure several times in a row. You can help keep the engine of your motorcycle running cooler and extend its life by giving it a thorough cleaning on a regular basis.
How Should WD-40 Be Used to Clean the Fins on a Motorcycle Engine?
Depending on how frequently you ride and where you ride, the engine fins of your motorcycle may become quite dirty over time. However, maintaining them clean is crucial in order to prevent buildup, which can lead to the engine overheating. To your relief, cleaning the fins on a motorbike engine is a simple process, and it’s likely that you already have everything you need in your garage. The only things you’ll need are a rag and a can of WD-40 to get the job done.
First things first, check sure your motorcycle is off and has had time to cool down. The WD-40 should then be sprayed onto the fins so that they are equally coated. Before removing the WD-40 with the rag, give it a minute or two to sit after spraying it on. Get into all of the crevices and nooks, because they are the areas that are most likely to collect filth and debris. And that wraps things up! After a few fast sprays and wipes with a clean cloth, the engine fins on your motorcycle will look as good as new.
What is the best way to clean the fins on a motorbike engine using oil seal?
When it comes to cleaning the fins on motorcycle engines, Oil Seal is a great product to use. The removal of filth and dirt is a breeze, and it performs an excellent job of cleaning the surface. This is how you should put it to use: Before beginning, you must first ensure that the engine is in perfect condition. The next step is to apply Oil Seal to a clean cloth or brush, and then scrub the fins in a circular motion to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure that you explore every corner and cranny of the area. After you have completed the task, you should wash the area with fresh water. After that, pat the fins dry with a gentle towel. That wraps it up! It won’t be long before the fins on your engine are sparkling clean.
Vinegar can be used to clean the fins on the engine of a motorcycle.
Your motorcycle’s engine fins have a higher risk of becoming clogged with dirt and debris over time, which reduces the amount of air that can flow through them and causes your bike to perform less efficiently. Vinegar, fortunately, may be used in a straightforward cleaning technique that can be performed on the engine fins. Simply fill a spray bottle with a solution consisting of equal parts vinegar and water, shake well, and then liberally apply the mixture to the fins. After letting the fins soak for a few minutes, remove any leftover debris from the fins with a gentle brushing. Before you start your motorcycle, make sure to give the fins a good washing with water and then dry them off. You can extend the life of your bike and keep the engine in good running condition with only a little amount of work to keep the engine cool.