cleaned engine on 2011 street glide, btw the HD Engine Brightening Cleaner is awesome...

to the question though - How can i safely polish the machined finish on the jugs?

 

what i meant to ask is how to polish the machined edges on the engine fins

 

Aluminum polish or cleaner

 

And a dremel with a buffing wheel, on slow speed, with a piece of rubber tubing around the metal shaft of the tool.

 

Non-scratch Scotch-Brite and soapy water using Dawn dish soap.

 

I would think polish of any kind would stain the black part and a polishing device would shred on the sharp edges. I would use a stiff brush during the washing process and live with the result.

 

thanks for the replies from all the members, once i commit to trying it, I'll post the before and after.

 

Keep in mind that you will be scrubbing on aluminum. Start with the least caustic/abrasive products first, so that you don't make it worse.

 

I use Scotch Brite pads . They come in different grades, depends on how bad they are.

 

+1

That edge is so narrow, it will be next to impossible to use any kind of polish and not get it on the "black" part of the fins.

You don't want to get any polish on the Black for sure.

This works very well!
You don't even need any "polish", just a quick brush with the pad.