I'm in the process of rebuilding a Testastretta 998/999 engine. I have all of the engine cases, heads, cylinders, etc. vapour blasted as they were all in a right state. However, the vapour blasting process has taken, what I assumed is/was, anodising off the spark plug tubes in the heads and off the static and tensioner wheels spindles. I know that this won't affect the running of the engine but it's triggering my OCD and I wonder if it's OK to remove them and have them recoated? The belt wheel spindles have flat edges for a spanner and I assume they are tightened in with thread lock. So presumably some heat and a bit of force will take care of them. I feel like the spark plug tubes though might be a different story. Looking on a parts diagram the tube cannot be purchased separately from the head. Again I once the bolts are removed I guess its a bit of heat some force. So my question is, has anyone had experience removing and refitting these parts. If so are there any gotchas? Thanks.
Hi Mate, I am hoping so. It got shoved on the back burning, first an extension on the house and then building the R1 track bike. The engine is looking mint now it's been blasted and I reckon I have about 60-70% of all the parts now for the rest of the bike. The goal this year is to at least have a rolling chassis with a running motor!!! However, the gearbox has gone in the R1 so it all depends on getting that off the list because I haven't got the space to be building two engines at the same time!!! ;-)
These are the offending items, they cleaned up OK after a Scottish Brite but I'd like them to be like new ideally.
im not certain but i think they are made from steel thats been zinc plated and then black passivated (certainly the tensioner rollers are steel and judging by the rust the tubes for the spark plug are too). if so , it shouldn't be too hard to find a plater who can do this for you or you could look at a DIY zinc plating kit from someone like https://classic-plating.co.uk/
Funny you mention that I saw on the cam wheels today the zinc coating and figured the spark plug tubs might be something similar so was going to aim for that. At least now I know my thinking isn't completely off. Thanks for the help.
I've managed to get the spark plug tubes out and there is a company locally I've used for coating before who I think will at least be able to Zinc coat them. However, I just can't get the cam wheel spindles out and I am worried out braking the aluminium part in the vice while I try and unscrew them. They're not a left-hand thread or anything, are they?
I thought as much and liberal use of the blow torch was used. The only tool I can get on it is an adjustable spanner which isn't the best. I wonder if there is a specific, socket type, tool for this job?
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/socket-for-belt-tensioner-pulleys.76067/#post-1563444 You should be ok
Brilliant, thanks. For anyone that comes across this thread I've included the part number and a link here for the tool in question. Ducati tool 88713.1821 for removal/installation of timing belt idler & tensioner studs. https://www.bikerstoolbox.co.uk/cgi... socket&PN=Ducati_Special_Tools.html#a7228123
I've already ordered the tool now but I appreciate the update. I like GB Motorcycle Products, they make some really useful stuff and very reasonable prices.
So for those of you that are interested, I picked up my parts from the coating place today and they turned out excellent. If you need any coating or anodising and you are in the Milton Keynes area you could check out Collings Finishing Ltd - www.collingsfinishing.co.uk