Bead-blast questions
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:13 pm
Just about to bead-blast my engine and I have some questions. Luckily I have access to a nice blast cabinet and the rental fee is beer. My engine is completely apart and cleaned of oil and crud. I'm planning to temporarily assemble the cases, cylinder, and head (with no internal parts) and then bead-blast it. I'm thinking this will protect the internal and gasket surfaces while blasting all the visible areas. Then I will clean all the parts thoroughly, install the bearings, and begin final assembly.
Is it unnecessary to protect the internal and gasket surfaces?
Will the bead-blast clean them up without damaging them?
Will bead-blasting them individually allow me to do a more thorough job?
I'm afraid particles will end up in the bearings and inside the engine if I don't do a good post-blast cleaning, but water based cleaners seem to dull uncoated aluminum and solvent based would require lots of volume to do a thorough cleaning. I don't have a parts cleaner.
How do I thoroughly clean all the abrasive off without adding surface staining or patina back on the exterior surfaces?
Should I buy several aerosol cans of carburetor or brake parts cleaner?
Thanks!
-Jim
Is it unnecessary to protect the internal and gasket surfaces?
Will the bead-blast clean them up without damaging them?
Will bead-blasting them individually allow me to do a more thorough job?
I'm afraid particles will end up in the bearings and inside the engine if I don't do a good post-blast cleaning, but water based cleaners seem to dull uncoated aluminum and solvent based would require lots of volume to do a thorough cleaning. I don't have a parts cleaner.
How do I thoroughly clean all the abrasive off without adding surface staining or patina back on the exterior surfaces?
Should I buy several aerosol cans of carburetor or brake parts cleaner?
Thanks!
-Jim