How To Get Paint Off An Engine?

[SamLack99]

As a newbie to the wonderful world of working on motorcycles...

...I've learned so much from this awesome forum.

Thank you.

I'm in the process of getting a 1982 Suzuki GS750T back on the road.

Having sorted the Tank and Carbs out, next up was - what I thought would be - a relatively simple valve check with replacement gaskets and seals.

And then I could see if I can get her fired up.

Cleaning the cylinder head cover before removal I couldn't help noticing how bad the paint was on the engine.

It pressed all my buttons.

So started trying to get the old paint off.

It's stuck like sh*t to a blanket.

And is proving to be a very time-intensive job.

Especially since methyl chloride has been removed from all commercial paint strippers available here in the UK.

I'm using brass brushes, bits attached to the Dremel, and elbow grease.

It's taken me two sessions (in between life, work, family, etc) to strip about 1/4 of the cylinder. I think I might have started something I don't know how to finish!

Here's what it looked like the other day...

03-suzy-valves.jpg

[SamLack99]

Sorry for waffling.

My question is: How do I get this freaking engine paint off?

I figure there has to be a better way than how I'm doing it.

And I've been busy researching and the research has left me feeling overwhelmed with options.

And I feel stuck with how to move forward.

Do I:

• Continue using my crap/slow method?
• Take the engine out of the frame and continue with my method?
• Break the engine down- in the frame - into its separate components for paint removal?

Or do I:

• Take the engine to a professional?
• For glass bead/soda blast/Vapour blast?
• And can they do the whole engine at once or does it need breaking down into parts?

Or do I:

• Blast it myself?
• Glass bead or Soda?
• And can I do the whole engine at once or do I have to break it down into parts?

Or do I do something else?

I mean, can you use a heat gun on a motorcycle engine?

Cards on the table, I’m keen to avoid taking the engine apart.

I don’t know if or how well it works, but I’m worried it won’t work after I’ve finished learning what goes where.

I tell ya, I wish I’d just put up with all the paint flakes and chips now.

Any advice you can share from your experience getting paint off an engine is much appreciated.

Cuz at the moment... I feel like I'm going mad.

Thank you.

[niclpnut]

On my 1100 motor I removed it from the frame, fitted it onto an engine stand and soda blasted it (harbor freight unit) with the covers on and all ports and orifices sealed. Wouldn't recommend any harsh medium as it will pit the aluminum.

[Big T]

Blasting is your best bet
soda, or walnut shells
Avoid glass beads, you'll spend more time cleaning up than blasting
vapor blasting is a finishing process, you can do that after paint removal, if you want

[SamLack99]

On my 1100 motor I removed it from the frame, fitted it onto an engine stand and soda blasted it (harbor freight unit) with the covers on and all ports and orifices sealed. Wouldn't recommend any harsh medium as it will pit the aluminum.

Thanks Nic, I've been reading your 1983 GS1100ES Engine Rebuild post. Very illuminating.

I loved this:

"It's just a matter of patience and time. Finding the courage to open things up is the hardest step. The rest depends on determination, resourcefulness and the almighty $ being the unfortunate deal breaker."

Great advice, I'm lacking courage to take the engine apart =)

[SamLack99]

Blasting is your best bet
soda, or walnut shells
Avoid glass beads, you'll spend more time cleaning up than blasting
vapor blasting is a finishing process, you can do that after paint removal, if you want

Thanks for this, useful information =)

[Grimly]

You can still buy methylene chloride paint stripper (made by Starchem) if you sign a professional waiver. Just google for Starchem paint stripper, uk.
Also, methylene chloride is used as a plexiglass glue and can be bought by the 1L and 5L quantity, quite legally.
Yes, be aware that methylene chloride was banned from public sale for a reason - look it up and be safe.

[SamLack99]

You can still buy methylene chloride paint stripper (made by Starchem) if you sign a professional waiver. Just google for Starchem paint stripper, uk.
Also, methylene chloride is used as a plexiglass glue and can be bought by the 1L and 5L quantity, quite legally.
Yes, be aware that methylene chloride was banned from public sale for a reason - look it up and be safe.

You know what?

You're absolutely right.

This morning 1L of Starchem was delivered.

And it works!

Thank you for giving me the confidence to see the purchase through. I'd given up previously, thinking I'd never be able to provide the necessary paperwork.

But, there you go.

Everyday is a school day =)

Thanks again Dave.

[Grimly]

Glad it worked out.

[Nessism]

I can't even imagine trying to strip the paint off the engine using stripper and hand tools! I've done some labor-intensive projects over the years, but I wouldn't even attempt that. I've media blast for sure.