CB360 engine blasting

[oathamm]

Ok I know there are lots of negative posts on the web about engine blasting as a complete unit but has anyone had any success blasting a complete engine, a local shop told me they no longer offer soda blasting and that glass bead and aluminium oxide is the way to go, although they said it's down to me to mask engine. Reading some articles on line it seems no matter how well prepared glass dust will work it's way into the engine which would be a distaster.

Alternatively I take it to the shop that still offers soda blasting of complete motors although the guy said soda wouldn't remove water stains.

Just thought I'd get your thoughts and feedback on engine blasting successes and failures.

Thanks

 

[TheCoffeeGuy]

Just Glass beaded a complete GS850 engine. Seal, suck, and blow it all away. Heavy as shite, so get some frineds to help movie it around.

 

[frogman]

What is the after thought on the engine? Are you painting? Leaving it plain? IF you paint then all you want is all the loose crap off, you can do that with a wire brush and some degreaser. That airplane paint stripper stuff is pretty mean on grease and paint too. Blasting is not necessary if you are willing to use up some elbow grease and time. If you have a decent compressor then go to harbor Frieght and BUY a rig. Soda is cheap. Soda is still my preferred way to go when dealing with engines and for home use, don't end up with a mess of stuff to clean up both outside and in the engine.

AS far as sending it out, the 4 places you should worry most about are the intake and exhaust ports. GO get some expandable rubber plugs at your local hardware or big box store and use them to plug the holes. They have bolt that goes through them that lets you tighten the plug into the hole. Freeze plugs at the auto parts store work too.

Only other hole you have to worry about is the breather. Can either plug internally or externally depending on what you can find. Piss poor masking leads to a mess in the engine.

 

[oathamm]

Thanks frogman I wasn't planning on painting it, I've had good results on the side covers with wet and dry, polish and elbow grease.

Good call on the expandable plugs, just used one of them to plug the hole left by the starter motor. Annoying thing is I can't seem to find a supplier in the UK so will have to wait on shipping from US.

I'm gonna start with soda then if required paint the barrels or bead blast.

I'll post results at each stage.

Thanks

 

[frogman]

Plumbing supply stores should carry them as well. Hell a regular cork might do the job if you stay away from it with the blasting gun.