How to deal with oxidation on engine cases?

[2valve]

Sorry melville. I keep on thinking that you where doing the job.I must stop sniffing Fuel and gear oil.

[George Ryals]

To use the red hydraulic lift on an airhead with the exhaust pipes still on, you have to use wood blocks under the frame rails in order to not lift against the pipes.

[2valve]

Hi George.Thanks for the info.Thought that might be the case considering the length of the arms on the lift. I'll give the lift a miss,it's going cheap but it's not worth the paint job getting marked /damaged etc.

[Major Softie]

Hi George.Thanks for the info.Thought that might be the case considering the length of the arms on the lift. I'll give the lift a miss,it's going cheap but it's not worth the paint job getting marked /damaged etc.

If you only intend to use it only on Airheads, then the real trick is to fabricate some risers that fit your bike perfectly. The lift is designed so it's really easy to bolt such parts right onto it.

[bbelk]

I have a cheaper version of that lift (harbor freight), but the pads are about the same size. It does work on an Airhead with blocks. The only time my R90 has been on its side in 10 years was when it fell off that stand during dinner. I don't use it for the bikes any more.

[Major Softie]

I have a cheaper version of that lift (harbor freight), but the pads are about the same size. It does work on an Airhead with blocks. The only time my R90 has been on its side in 10 years was when it fell off that stand during dinner. I don't use it for the bikes any more.

Straps.

[Ken in Oklahoma]

I'm coming into this thread late, but I want to say that I've never had good luck with liquid cleaners for aluminum. It's especially bad on as-cast surfaces, which is most surfaces on airheads. If you leave the chemical on too long (and it's hard to tell when is too long) the aluminum turns dark. I know of no remedy for that, other than lots of abrasive pads. And just try getting them between the spokes where they go into the hub.

I have had decent luck using aluminum paint, gently dabbed onto a pad, and then wiped over the as-cast surfaces.

Of course on machined aluminum surfaces most mild abrasives work well.

Ken

[disston]

It is oxidation and cleaning will only be a temporary solution. The clean aluminum will oxidize again. I spray with WD-40 on a regular basis. Doesn't look as good as those cleaned and polished or soda blasted boxes but it is better than the white speckled effect.

I have used Mag Wheel Polish on some items that i wanted to look better but eventually that wears away so it's back to spraying with WD-40 again.

[ME 109]

Every responsible airhead owner should pack up the bikes and family and move to the arid inland.

I never use any sort of alloy cleaner because there is no need. I feel for coastal airheads.
I do worry tho when airhead camping on the coast, but the oysters and beer subdue the worry.

Gidday disston!

[malcom]

Every responsible airhead owner should pack up the bikes and family and move to the arid inland.

I never use any sort of alloy cleaner because there is no need. I feel for coastal airheads.
I do worry tho when airhead camping on the coast, but the oysters and beer subdue the worry.

Gidday disston!

As well as the oysters &beer we now have to contend with local lake prawns, someone's got to do it.
Cheers
mal.com