sandblasting engine

[crause]

Today I purchased a 20 lb. sandblasting machine that works off of my shop compressor. I got it at Harbor Freight for $45 and would only be for personal use and probably not hold up under comercial use. I was just wondering if anyone has used one to sandblast an engine while it was still in the vehicle. My engine is in great shape mechaniclly and I do not want to pull the engine just to paint it. There is no way to wire brush everywhere and get all the rust off to make the paint job look good. Any suggestions or warnings?;help

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Stallion]

Hmmmm...I think you would regret it if you did do it while it is in the car, if it is even possible. I always thought sandblasting had to be in an enclosed place, so that would make it difficult. And, if you could just get your hands on an engine lift, that would make both jobs, blasting and painting, that much easier.

 

[MidShark]

I would be a little hesitant to sandblast an engine while in the car (or out of the car for that matter) just because of the mess you will have to clean up. No matter how well you try to cover things up, the sand will be EVERYWHERE. I have detailed several engines and compartments, and have always just used degreaser/Simple Green, brushes, hot water, and a lot of elbow grease. Being a contortionist would be helpful, too, of course.
You dont have to get down to bare metal by any means to put a nice coat of paint on an engine, either. While I'm not advocating painting over packed-on sludge, you'd be surprised at how well the engine paint will stick to an area where you can't get at it to get it perfectly clean. Also, I usually remove some of the accesories, the exhaust manifolds, etc. to get better access to do a good job, and freshen those items up.
I think it would take longer to cover everything up so that sand would not get in it, than it would to do the whole detail job. Just my .02

Dick

 

[ChuckG]

REAL bad idea. No matter how much you mask and tape, you'll have sand, sand grit, and sand dust everywhere, including WITHIN your motor, electrical components, suspension bushings, etc. You could and very likely would cause serious engine damage. You'll also have it all over the paint and within the interior.

I would spend some time with Simple Green, several stiff paint brushes, toothbrushes, etc. to get the grease off. Remove everything you can without going crazy. You can then carefully mask components you don't want to paint. Aluminum foil is great for this. You can do a fairly nice job with this technique. Chuck

 

[rgtrough]

Hey Chuck, the aluminum foil is a great tip. Sure beats trying to tape and paper everyting. Thanks, Bud

 

[steves1980]

Hi iam doing the same thing, painting engine in the car, right now i been pressure washing it , then puching it back in looking what i missed, scraping, brushing,i got about everything off the motor now, and about ready to paint it, its realy looking good, iam also going to repaint the frame, so i got all the lines off, hood off, radiatior out, painted every part as i took it out, i got it laying on my work bench downstairs in line and marked as i take it out.then it goes for a paint job after i get in done.
steve1980 vette

 

[ChuckG]

Can't take credit for the aluminum foil tip. It's an old "indian trick" from decades ago. MUCH better than taping and "papering" around gas lines, rubber hoses, wiring harnesses, etc. You still need tape and paper for many items, but it's so easy to tear off a chunk of aluminum foil and "crunch" it around "tough to tape" items. Chuck

 

[crause]

Ok you guys, you talked me out of sandblasting the engine. I sure am glad I asked here because I never thought about all the sand getting into the suspension parts :duh . I guess I will just follow the old tried and true methods and clean the engine the best I can and then tape (foil) and paint.
Since I got such a good deal on the sand blaster, I think I will keep it for loose parts cleaning.

Thanks again,

Andy

 

[Vmo]

Build yourself a box to use as a sandblast cabinet. Poke the pickup tube and the nozzle thru an opening and add a window. It is the greatest thing to clean and de-rust small parts prior to painting. I didn't ever think I would get the use out of mine that I do.

 

[crf311]

VERY BAD IDEA. Do not do. The sand WILL get into your engine. I have sandblasted for a # of years and know for a fact you will not keep the sand out of your engine.

 

[sofast4u]

i'm glad you bagged the sand blast
if you can get your hands on a steam cleaner NOT POWER washer
the steam will practically melt away the sluge
a bit of elbow grease doesnt hurt either
good luck


PS the alunimun idea is a BRAIN STORM thanks