I just got a rebuild and as part of that the shop bead blasted my engine. Well, it looks great and I want to keep it that way. Mines a 91 and not powdercoated. What can I do to prevent tarnishing it?

wrknman,
I like the look of bead blasted aluminum. I also don't mind if it gets a bit dirty and/or gets some corrosion on it (it just wipes off). The only thing I can think of to protect the freshly bead blasted look would be to have it powdercoated with a clear finish. Maybe there is a semigloss or flat clear powdercoat finish available if ya don't want it shiny.
Or there is always clear engine paint...

clear engine paint?....I didn't know anything about that. I'll look into that. It looks awesome now.

powdercoating retains engine heat. Unless it's a showbike I'd stay away from the painted and polished cases.

UAW states: powdercoating retains engine heat. Unless it's a showbike I'd stay away from the painted and polished cases.

That is the most wild thing I think I have read. Do not paint or powdercoat the cases? Due to heat??? Unless it is a showbike??? The cases you say??? I guess that the jugs and heads are ok to powdercoat then?

Ok I give up, where did you come up with that idea?

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Martin

I like to use Simple Green on the '84, it's the non-painted version.

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HD has a spray engine paint that make the jugs and heads look new. It's a little exspensive, but I painted my a year ago when I rebuilt the top end (app. 10k miles) and they still look new. I just was the engine with Bikebrite or S100 and it looks like new. If I can find the can I'll give you the P/N.

Same here......Simple Green....Just spray it on and let it sit and wash off.......do the same to the engine in my truck.