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Hello all...pretty much a newbie around here. I am the proud owner of a 76 CB500T and am in the process of redoing the motor. Currently it is out of the frame with the carbs off. Im just trying to clean it up right now, but im not sure if I should completely disassemble the motor to sand blast or leave it all as one? I picked up a little sand blasting kit from Harbor Freight and would like to move on to the next step..but..Im kinda stuck since I'm pretty new to motorcycle engines.
Since you're new...
Don't sandblast an engine. Sand gets EVERYWHERE and without proper cleanup afterwards you'll ruin your engine.
You can soda blast and engine.
If you must sandblast, tear it all the way down, and then be incredibly careful not to blast any of the sealing surfaces. and then spend a lot of time cleaning and re-cleaning and blowing it out with compressed air, then re-clean everything.
I was always told never to sandblast an aluminium engine because it damages the surface should you decide to paint it afterwards, but I don't know how true this is. Soda blasting is a fantastic method as it cleans up in warm water. If you are new to motorbikes I wouldn't dissemble the motor unless you have a reason to (piston rings, gaskets etc). You should be able to use soda in your sandblasting kit?
Also if the carbs are off make sure you securely block off the intakes otherwise you'll fill your cylinders with sand!
Well, it had a pretty decent oil leak. so the motor was pretty well gunked up. I've degreased it and used a brush on it. Looks better, but Im trying to get it to look close to new. Attention to detail thats all. I was just wondering if I should disassemble the motor or not. Thanks.
With soda, you will have less work if you don't disassemble it.
Personally, I'd seal everything up and blast it.
Then tear it down for the top end rebuild and clean everything really well. This way theres a lot less soda in the motor to clean up.
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