Engine Mess - Cause?

This mess was here when I bought it, and I'm in the process of cleaning this up. Can anyone tell me what caused it? I fixed a leaky Tach, but would that cause this much mess? On both sides?

 

Problems posting pics.

See my gallery:
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Oooooh dude.. You have no idea... I may have a leaky Tach too, but combined with my leaking Forks... My front of the engine looks about 20 times worse than that.
But that mess looks more centered and concentrated. I'd wager a Yes, just a Tach
-Chris

 

Also, any creative suggestions on how to get in all the cracks would be appreciated as well. I've got a good start, but would love to hear any new ideas.

 

Looks like you need a new valve cover gasket to start with.
And whats with all that crap between the fins?????

The fins cool the engine-no fins-no cooling, at leased at that
location. If you are very very careful you can use a high
pressure sprayer for most of it but dont hit it in any joints or areas
that the water will damage just by force.

When you get it clean and free of leaks, use Simple green full
strength at every/every other wash.
Thats assuming you wash it at least once a week.
If you wait untill the bike looks like it needs to be washed-you've
waited too long.

 

Pressure washing your bike wont damage it? I mean, remove battery first, but you're just talking about taking it just to the engine right?? Wont she rust?

 

When I got my 750 home out came the pressure washer.
The problem is the high pressure spray re-locates some of the nastiest stuff to the underside of the gauges, tank, seat area that were simply dusty, not greasy, making a very long clean-up.

Deal with the grease before using a pressure washer.
The bike started up totally drenched.

 

I dont know if thats the valve cover gasket, if you have leaky forks, I think thats the culprit

 

Even if the forks are clean?

 

oh, hrm, well my bike looks just like that and the forks are leaking. but it doesnt seems to be exhaust, doesnt follow the pattern that would come from a leaking gasket either.


maybe it had leaking forks, PO replaced seals and never washed engine?


use some engine degreaser on that and let it soak..

 

Ya, I figure I'll do that. Just clean 'er up and see if and where any new grease comes from.

 

Yes,if a vc gasket is leaking in the front then you get oil
down the front.

The stuff below the head inbetween the fins is due to
what looks to me like neglect-at leased when washing.

You have to use your brains when doing any work
with a pressure washer.Obviously there will be over spray.
All you have to do is isolate the area your going to clean
from the rest of the bike.

 

Looks like mostly tach drive oil seals (o-ring on the body, seal buried inside) with a little valve cover thrown in, baked well.

I recommend Citris-based engine degreaser (the kind that specifically states it's for use on cold engines) and a nice stiff brush to work it in with.

You need to be SURE you thoroughly wash it all off though, or it can stain the aluminum.

I follow up with a good scub down with a gritty household bathroom-type cleanser (Comet/Ajax/VIM) and an old toothbrush to get in between the fins and get the "pores" clean.

 

4hrs in. Looks better, but man it's not easy getting in there.

 

hokey smokes, 4 hours of scrubbin the engine... sheesh.

good luck man

 

Over 2 nights. Would be easier, but the frame and forks get in the way.

Its labour of love....