[FC] Bead blasting aluminum

[corvanatics@corvair.org]

In a message dated 9/19/2004 2:48:54 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
geparsley@att.net writes:

Hey  guys,
I'm wondering about the wisdom of bead blasting the aluminum engine  parts. 
I've heard of it being down, and I've tried it on a scrap oil  filter 
adaptor that was laying around. It really cleans good and looks  great. What 
are the issues facing this? I assume there's always the chance  of not 
getting all the media out, and destroying an engine. Other than  that minor 
concern <ggg>.... How would blasting be followed up to  minimize that 
possibility? Also, any concerns over blasting the block  itself, especially 
the cam surfaces? Could this erode the gasket surfaces?  What type media 
would be best? Lots of questions and concerns on this.  Thanks,

Garry Parsley
>>>>>>>>
    I bead blast all the time, blocks included. I don't  hit the cam jounals 
very hard if at all. If I do get the cam journals then I use  a scotchbrite 
pad afterwards to polish. You do want to use glass bead only,  no sand! After 
that cleaning is the name of the game. Clean and dry and clean  and dry. If you 
think you need to do it again do it.
    Ken Hand