have a question about cleaning the cylinders and head fins. What is the best way to clean and restore the finish of the edges of the cooloing fins on the engine. I have the silver motor if that make a difference i'm starting to notice that the edges arenn't as nice looking as they used to be. thanks for any info.

 

Have a look in the detailing section...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/detailing-27/

drew

 

Metal polish and patience!

If they're really bad, then some varying grits of sandapaper followed by the metal polish.

The hardest part of the job is cleaning the polish residue from the flat surfaces of the fins, but mine are black. Probably much easier on the silver engines.

One trick I've used is to put a glove on your hand, apply the polish to glove, and then have at it. You can get the edges of multiple fins at one time that way.

 

I use simple green straight out of the bottle on the whole bike there is no petroleum in it and it and it has never hurt any thing. I have been using it for six years now.it has kept my motor looking good. I clean my wheels with it and use simple green with Mr clean magic erasers for the white walls. cost is about eight dollars a gallon a lot cheaper than S100.

 

I use S100 on mine, and it works great. Dont clean until motor is cool. Buddy of mine sprayed some cleaner on his shortly after a ride, and it left weird marks now on his cylinders. Poor Bastard.

 

thnx for the info. i'll try the metal polish on the edges

 

Let me know how it turns out...i have the same issue...my fins are kinda dirty lookin in some spots...thinking about very fine grit sandpaper..mainly the front where the road grime hits is where mine are bad..

 

I didn't really care for S100. I use car soap on the tins and spray Eagle-1 AtoZ wheel cleaner on the wheels and engine. Works great!