sandblasting 353

sandersen · September 21, 2015, 02:40:07 PM

Anybody ever sandblasted a 353 when trying to restore it and make it look real nice...or is it too dangerous with sand getting into places it shouldn't. Any other methods that work to get ready for the new green paint. I pulled mine over the weekend and want to go through it and then make it shine like new.

jd540b · September 21, 2015, 05:03:18 PM

I lifted my block right into a parts washer (kept it on the chain fall) and cleaned it up really well. Worked great and came out looking like new.

https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25304/image~10.jpg

treeslayer2003 · September 21, 2015, 07:41:41 PM

i wouldn't blast a running engine, sand will get every where.

lopet · September 21, 2015, 09:02:32 PM

X 2 on the parts washer. Nothing wrong with making something look like new, but it only makes sense if she has no leaks. ;D That's just me.

BargeMonkey · September 21, 2015, 09:22:08 PM

If your doing a complete tear down blast away, if it's a running engine your just cleaning up you may end it's life prematurely. I made a 6V53 look factory new the other day with a can of spray paint, quickest way to rebuild a detroit. :D. A few good pinches of sand blasting grit stuck in rings and ports and you can kiss it all good bye, I would be super careful.

sandersen · September 22, 2015, 10:20:33 AM

Thanks guys that confirms what I thought about sand blasting...I wasn't too keen on it in the first place. I'm gonna take my time and use brushes and mineral oil and elbow grease to clean it all up. There's rust on the block from sitting but a wire wheel and some time should do it. Right now I'm more focused on making sure it runs right and doesn't leak before reinstalling. Lots of work ahead but it's fun.

tantoy · September 22, 2015, 10:49:17 AM

I used about 5 gallons of this stuff in a garden sprayer and then pressure washing when I repainted my skidder. I was happy with how it worked and was paint ready when it dried.
I would not sandblast a running engine.

Puffergas · September 22, 2015, 12:12:12 PM

I never would sand blast but like to hot tank the block and head.

sandersen · September 22, 2015, 04:26:29 PM

Thanks...if I could end up with a 353 like tantoys or jdb540 I'd be stoked. Lookin pretty is second to running pretty but it's still nice to have both. I have some pics to post if I can remember how I will.