Sand blasting an engine?

[ontherocks83]

Quick question.

I am trying to sandblast my engine to get the rust and old paint off so I can repaint it before I put it back in the boat. I have tried sandblasting it with crushed walnuts and glass.

The walnuts were too soft and the glass although better was not strong enough to be efficient. Does anyone know what type of media is best for sandblasting an old engine to get most of the rust and paint off? Thanks all

 

[Rich Stidger]

I have sand-blaster various metal parts for engines and snow-blowers. The blast product I used was something called "Black Beauty".

 

[ontherocks83]

I have sand-blaster various metal parts for engines and snow-blowers. The blast product I used was something called "Black Beauty".

That is also the brand that was recommended to me by someone else however they have several different medias they use, including glass, aluminum, and some others. I'm trying to figure out which specific media to use to get rust off an engine block.

 

[TimFromLI]

I used aluminum oxide on my keel, it is very good. Got it at Harbor Freight. The blast media gets everywhere, make sure sensitive areas near seals and intakes are masked and make sure to wear a mask. Some sand blasting dust is deadly.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Tractor Supply carries it also. Mine has it in different grits

 

[ontherocks83]

As a follow up, I ended up buying black beauty extra fine 30/60 mesh and it worked very well. I may try a more course version of it next time but I am very pleased with the results. Here is a picture after I painted the engine. I'm not done painting it yet and it is far from perfect but it is oodles better then it was previously. Thanks all for the help. I'm going to be posting the same pic of this in another thread as a similarly related follow up / closure.