Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I have a bead blast cabinet in my shop, but I am just worried I will get the media into an oil gallery. Hard to make sure it's cleaned out properly, and if it isn't, a lot of work putting the motor together goes to waste. I have to go to California to find vapor blasting. I found a soda blast company, so I was going to contact him. The hot tank just didn't do a good enough job.

My memory is foggy but seem to think the oil passages are reasonably accessible to clean out. Better than the head at least. One option is soda which does a pretty good job of cleaning and it not super hard to clean out of hidden passages.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI’ve been buying silicone cone plugs. Used them to block off areas I don’t want painted. They cut easily to get the tapers to fit exactly the holes. Maybe you could block off the oil passages and blast away.

I used foam ear plugs on my calipers for painting. Those don't stay in the holes when using a bead blast gun. Those urethane plugs just might be the ticket.

Worked great on my rear caliper, and there cheap so you don’t cry when you cut one to get the tarper correct for a tight fit.

Got the tail cowl and front fender bolted in place. Had to post another view! I can't stop staring at this bike!

Looking good! I just spent all day battling with a set of very similar forks (2012 Hornet). A very special case of idiocy, that damper design :pinch:

I am looking for ideas to soften up the 40 year old cylinder block gasket that is stuck to my upper case half. After a couple hours with a single edged razor blade, I figure there has got to be a better way. It's almost like the paper gasket has begun to turn into the aluminum itself. I am not making much progress here. I was considering using the phosphoric acid solution I used on the tank - apply it with a paint brush, and keep the entire gasket wet for a period of time to see if it would make it easier to remove. Anyone have any garage hacks to deal with original factory gaskets that are stubborn to remove? I am all ears at this point!

these nylon wheels work great, takes skilled hand because you can jack up the surface if you ham fist it.

www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-pr...10951+8718581&rt=rud

This is what I have been using forever on my base gaskets.

Just don't get it on the painted part of your cases.

Brush this stuff on, wait 15 minutes or so, then start with razor blade. Might have to apply a second coat on the gasket.

You cannot mar gasket surface doing it this way!!!!!

I use paint stripper to soften old gaskets to peel off easy.

I picked up the other case half from the hot solvent tank today. To get this engine ready for paint a lot of surface prep needs to be done!