how to clean my robbins 249 cc engine?? any ideas

[valencia83]

hello i removed my air filter, carberator and this piece that is like a square cap with 3 wings that covers the hole part thats in the engine on top... not sure what thats called any ideas???. also how should i clean all my engine parts ????? brake cleaner paint thinner or degreaser????

[ScooterMcTavish]

Without a picture, I am guessing you are describing the engine shroud, this being a stamped piece of metal that folds over the top of the cylinder head. This keeps debris from getting into and plugging your cooling fins on the cylinder.

I do know lots of people who paint this.

When I cleaned my engine, I used a variety of cleaners. Externally, I used degreaser. For the reed valves, I soaked them in solvent. For the carb, I used (wait for it) carb cleaner on the inside, then degreaser on the outside once it was reassembled.

After cleaning, a spray of PB was used on all the linkages.

[Dave Box]

Square cap with three wings? That is the reed valve. My only advice is not to use a pressure washer, you will do irreparable harm to the engine and wiring.

Dave

[ScooterMcTavish]

Interesting, I reread the OP, and see that they probably are describing the reed valves.

Three wings though? Mine has the four reeds, plus the two retainers. Not sure where the three comes from unless the OP lost a reed!

For my reed valve, I completely disassembled it, and soaked all the parts in solvent for about three days, then gently cleaned all the oily crud and burnt carbon back off of it with a soft cloth. Not sure I'd do anything more violent to it than that.

Confession time, I did use a pressure washer on my cart, but paid particular care to avoid all wires, and the electronics on the fan shroud. I had so much clay dirt and a squirrel nest in the cart that it needed some serious wash pressure.