Soda Blasting

[MisterCinders]

Lots of threads on making a blaster, but what about using it?

Want to clean the engine, and scrubbing isn't cutting it. Do I need to remove and or screen all the rubber bits, like intake boots, carbs (for the choke assemblies and other rubber stuff? I know to mask off any openings like plug holes etc.

What else do I need to watch for?

[azr]

For engines I use Washing Soda, the grains are bigger, works far better on big items. Baking soda works good for carbs and such. As a bonus the Washing Soda doesn't make the dust cloud the baking soda does. There's nothing really you need to watch out for other than holes going into the engine. You'll be hard pressed to do any damage to the original frame powder coating. It will take paint off though in case you've painted your frame.

[MisterCinders]

What about the rubber bits? Pull them?

[azr]

I've never blasted an engine with the carbs and carb boots on, engines in the frame yes but carbs and their pieces out. When blasting carbs it's always been disassembled. Unless you're pointing the blasting gun directly at the rubber I would think they'll be fine. Just be careful where you point it I guess or tape things up.

[Greenbraes]

I have never had any issues with damage to rubber, remember to wash it all off really well before you paint....since I bought a soda blaster I have used it on everything that needs painting...fantastic bit of kit

RB

[ndaugbjerg]

Mister Cinders,
If you already have a compressor, The $35.00 blaster from HF works great. I've used mine with sand, soda and coal slag. HF has the soda but I don't remember what I paid for it. For really nasty clean-ups like a 30 year old swing arm with petrified grease and dirt on it, The coal slag works great. In the midwest you should have a Tractor Supply store nearby. They sell 50# bags of coal slag for $8.00; seen it as high as $40 elsewhere. It has no silica or dust and can be re-used 3 or 4 times; just screen it. Good luck.
I've used the soda around electrical wiring and it didn't even seem to bother the tape. You can always cut the pressure down a bit.
Niels

[old_skool]

For engines I use Washing Soda, the grains are bigger, works far better on big items.
.

Are you talking like tide or cheer etc, for washing machines??

[azr]

Yes it's laundry soap but it specifically says Soda wash on the box.

[Big T]

Are you talking like tide or cheer etc, for washing machines??

No, not at all

It's a laundry additive Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (i'm sure there's other brands)

It's in the laundry section at your local supermarket, just look for it or maybe Google it

[old_skool]

No, not at all

It's a laundry additive Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (i'm sure there's other brands)

It's in the laundry section at your local supermarket, just look for it or maybe Google it

seen it before, thanks