Best way to strip engine paint?

[Bonehead]

Sorry if this has been posted before, but for some reason I cannot get the search function to work (some sort of fatal error, doesnt sound too important). So, best way to stip paint, grime, and all things unwanted on an engine?

Also, do I have to breakdown the engine? I do want to paint the cylinders black, so may have to break it down just for that, but may not have the time to do it. I might have to do the whole engine one color for sake of time.

When I decide to strip the engine, I will also be getting the frame powdercoated... Hopefully.

[GateKeeper]

see here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1545156&postcount=180

and here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1632386&postcount=904

and

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1633990&postcount=923

last one

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1634247&postcount=933

.

[Bonehead]

see here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1545156&postcount=180

and here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1632386&postcount=904

and

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1633990&postcount=923

last one

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1634247&postcount=933

.

Thanks GK! This may have to be a springtime endeavor as it needs to be warm, and the engine is outside (Might have to stay that way).

By the by, would sandblasting the engine be a terrible idea? I may have it done the same time as the frame if that's possible. Im thinking glass beads would be a better idea? Don't want sand everywhere I assume

[Nessism]

If you are going to blast the engine, I recommend soda. Less risky if some gets in. It may not clean as well as some other methods, but it should be good enough to prep for paint.

[chuck hahn]

No sand blasting the engine unless its completelyn torn down...the beads WILL find there way in and get all in the bearings and stuff..Big NO NO!! Soda or vapor balsting ism the best ways.

[Bonehead]

If you are going to blast the engine, I recommend soda. Less risky if some gets in. It may not clean as well as some other methods, but it should be good enough to prep for paint.

I had a feeling that would be the key. The place I am keeping the bike at does have an air compressor, but I don't know the PSI or anything. I believe I should be able to buy the gun/hopper at HFT and just hook it up? I would need to okay it with the guy who owns the shop for sure first

No sand blasting the engine unless its completelyn torn down...the beads WILL find there way in and get all in the bearings and stuff..Big NO NO!! Soda or vapor balsting ism the best ways.

Hmmmm... Soda it is then. I think that will be my last few steps in my paint process.

Thanks guys

[SVSooke]

I used washing soda from the laundry isle in the supermarket rather than baking soda.Washing soda is large grit than baking soda.There is blasting soda to but I have yet to find it locally.Good idea to sieve the soda to,ask me how I know

[Guest]

You can get sodium Bicarb at the farm store's tractor supply has it