Different ways of stripping color from cylinders

[MotoX]

I tried searching for this as it probably is allready mentioned, but the search function gave me an error, I tried finding a thread about it by scrolling through the tabs here in Appearance but couldn't find anything, so here it goes...

I realize that the easiest way to get the paint of the cylinders is to sand blast or something like this to get down in the ridges good, but if you don't have access to a blaster, are there other ways to get that paint of in a way that doesn't hurt the cylinders?

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Sand blasting isn't really good for the engine as it may get inside of it. How about vapor blasting? I'm not sure if vapor will remove the paint but it leaves a very nice factory finish.

[sharpy]

If engine apart try acid dip. Comes out perfect.

[MotoX]

Sand blasting isn't really good for the engine as it may get inside of it. How about vapor blasting? I'm not sure if vapor will remove the paint but it leaves a very nice factory finish.

Ah yes my bad. I don't have access to any type of blasting though I could leave it to a shop but was just curious about other alternatives for my own garage.

[MotoX]

If engine apart try acid dip. Comes out perfect.

And it doesn't hurt the inside of the cylinders in any way? Are there any parts on the cylinder that is critical to remove before putting it in acid dip?

[sparki]

Sand blasting isn't really good for the engine as it may get inside of it. How about vapor blasting? I'm not sure if vapor will remove the paint but it leaves a very nice factory finish.

fyi, vapour blasting is NOT only water... it also contacts a blast media , so again, there will grit to clean out...

dipping leaves nothing behind and is completely clean. and yes, it's fine for the block

[MotoX]

Nice with the dip, I'll definetly use that then! Now it's just a matter of finding that in Sweden, they are not that keen on heavy chemicals here in the cold country Is there any big manufacturers of this acid dip that we might have here that I could get the name of from any of you fine gentlemen?

[MotoX]

Oh man, after searching the web for some swedish retailer of any sort of dip I can't seem to find any. Any of you guys know what type of chemicals there are in those dips?

I did find some folks talking about the chemical Phosphoric Acid but some other people talked about this leaving white goo if parts were diped in this too long, especially aluminium parts. Citric Acid was also mentioned... EDIT 2: It should also be mentioned that the acids mostly comes up in discussion about removing rust rather than removing paint, but there is stil discussions wether the acids remove the paint as well or not.

EDIT 1: some other guy also mentioned blending caustic soda with wallpaper paste to get a gel-like mixture that removes paint and also other stuff... Anybody have any experiences with caustic soda and engines?

[hampshirehog]

caustic soda mixes well with engines ............as long as they aren't made of aluminium. Mix the two and your engine will dissolve.

[MotoX]

Ah ok, thank you hampshire! So far I havn't been seeing any of the stuff you guys are using in the swedish stores so I need to make some sort of translated list so that I know what kind of chemicals to put in my own garage in the future. This helps!

[chuck hahn]

Just get a long bristled stiff nylon brush and a few cans of spray on TAL STRIP aircraft paint stripper. Spray it on and let it sit for around 15 minutes or so and then scrub in all the fins and such with the brush. Powerwash it and reapply on any areas left with paint. Wear a face shield or other eye protection so the stripper doesnt get in your eyes. Tightly stuff rags into the intake and exhaust ports and youll be just fine ..Use a good degreaser such as purple power and scrub as much grease and oil off before you apply the stripper. The stipper wil not eat thru the grime.

[chuck hahn]

Heres the link to my recent rebuild..The stripper and brush method is what i used and i had it done in just a few hrs and ready for repainting. Also see Chandlers GS 1000 E thread. Youll have a nice looking engine when yoiur done.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=175335

[victorgallas]

Waht paint are you guys using to paint the engine?

I got some high temperature paint from Advance auto parts that is supposed to be used for grills and the paint bubbled and became all crumpled... I am so mad with it.
What do you guys know works and wont look bad with the heat?

[tatu]

I used smoothrite in an aerosol. My experience is that ordinary paint is well up to coping with the engine tempretures

[chuck hahn]

VHT high temp engine enamel....UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM...never has failed yet on anything i have painted.