Its actually not for an XL, but for its a honda anyway...:-)
Its a motor from a 2001 Honda 350 Rancher, I'm using it to power a custom project, but its been mud covered and snow drenched since new, so now its dirty and stained.  I'm trying to get the thing looking brand new, i was thinking of taking emery cloth (extra fine) to it, but because its air cooled, the fins would be near impossible to clean and it would take a million years to have it look good.  Everyone is telling me that I should use a engine de-greaser, buts its not really grease that is on the motor, more than just dirt/grime.  The engine is aluminum I think, perhaps there is an aluminum stripper I could get that would strip off the dirt...?  I was also thinking of bead blasting it, but the motor is complete, and i've heard that blasting it can damage the engine gaskets in a quick hurry...maybe I can get some larget sized beads?
Keep in mind, the engine is sitting on my workbench, but it is full and complete, I have not and am not planning on taking it apart because it runs perfect...I want to make sure that anything I do to beautify it, will not damage it or any gaskets.  Any advice would be greatly apprecaited!
Thanks,
-mark