Sandblasting an engine block.

[mustanger]

Can I sand blast an engine block while the heads are still on it and the valve covers not ? If so how would I go about covering up the internals so I could blast the block and not get anything inside the engine ?
Thanks

[mustangboy]

I wouldn't. When you blast that sand goes EVERYWHERE and is a huge mess to clean up.

[Rick93coupe]

Can I sand blast an engine block while the heads are still on it and the valve covers not ? If so how would I go about covering up the internals so I could blast the block and not get anything inside the engine ?
Thanks

No, like Kenny said, don't even consider it. What are you trying to do? Is this a running engine or something your going to rebuild?

[RIXXX93GT]

That would be a huge mistake in my opinion. You may think you have it perfectly sealed up but you WILL get sand where you dont want it.

[mustanger]

No, like Kenny said, don't even consider it. What are you trying to do? Is this a running engine or something your going to rebuild?

This is the engine I got off Nathen...was going to repaint the oil pan and while I was at it thought about repainting the engine.

Should I just do it the old fashion way...by hand ?

[RIXXX93GT]

In the old days I used oven cleaner and a wire brush, it would take it right down to the bare casting. It will ruin your gaskets though. Why not just knock off the loose paint, prime it and shoot it.

[mustanger]

In the old days I used oven cleaner and a wire brush, it would take it right down to the bare casting. It will ruin your gaskets though. Why not just knock off the loose paint, prime it and shoot it.

That's what I'll probably do with it.:bigthumb

[Rick93coupe]

I'll second the oven cleaner. I've used it on all sorts of car parts through the yrs . when your ready to paint the block look for the little cans of rustoleum, satin black looks real nice and its real easy to brush on.

[mustanger]

Ok guys thanks for the tips I'll try the oven cleaner and paint :bigthumb