Easy Engine Cleaning

My wish for a pressure washer came true. I placed several dirty pieces into the bed of my pick up and drove down the street to a nice little self serve car wash. Three dollars and five minutes later I drove away with shiny new looking engine parts. Mother Earth even gave me bonus points due to the runoff being collected and recycled. The future is looking brighter!

Engine Cleaning

I knew I was in for a big project. I didn't know I was going to feel like a candid camera victim. All I have to do is clean off the caked on oil. Sounds simple and straight forward. Spray on the degreaser and let it eat away the grime. It's not that simple. The oil has become a solid and must be scrapped off with a wire brush. With all of the cooling fins and intricate nooks and crannies it's like creating a billboard with just a pencil. I wish I had a pressure washer. Here are some pictures of my pain.


This must be easier with the proper tools and resources, like running water. Wish me luck. All advice is more than welcome!

Scary Mary Poppins

A classic I stumbled upon again.

CB 550 Project

The fun begins. I've been riding a 1978 Honda CB 550 for about two years. The time has come to rebuild it. It has 48,000 miles on it and I have no idea what kind of maintenance it's received in the past 32 years. Unfortunately I forgot to take a "before" picture but here's the progress so far. So obviously the gas tank, seat, and rear fender have been removed. Also removed are the air box, carburetors and electrical cluster.


A closer look at the motor.

Off comes the valve cover.


And even more parts removed to be cleaned and lost. Yes, I am a little scared.


With the help of the experienced one, Jesse, this beast should be put back together in the next few months. I'll do my best to wipe off my hands and take pictures of the progress. The next few days will be filled with caked on oil, harsh degreasers and a wire brush.

Mission to Mars

You know that “R” is for rocket

You know that “S” is for space

Who knew designers would stop us

In the world’s happiest place

They said there’d be a new life

The one I’ve got can’t be saved

I can’t explain my behavior

Well I don’t want to behave

Wrecking ball won’t be our savior

Baby we could disappear

Reorganizing atoms

Never left the stratosphere

I know you cry

On Saturn’s right

But baby I am always gonna be

Your mission to mars

I thought that gravity’s pull

Would bring you by my side

Into the heavens we’ll go

Into the heavens we’ll hide

They said there’d be a new life

The one I’ve got can’t be saved

I can’t explain your behavior

Well I don’t want to behave

Wrecking ball won’t be our savior

Baby we could disappear

Reorganizing atoms

Never left the stratosphere

I know you cry

On Saturn’s right

But baby I am always gonna be

Your mission to mars

But I know you’ve lost your place

On the innerspace

When I found out

I was so full of shame

I know why on ?????????

Into the heavens we’ll go

Into the heavens we’ll hide