Stripping Engine Paint

Just picked up a replacement engine for my XJ650 and I'd like to give it a fresh coat of black VHT Flameproof paint. The engine already has what I'm assuming is some sort of high heat black paint, and clear coat, on it, however the paint is flaking in many places on the head and just looks bad overall...so I'd like to strip it all off, or at least the clear coat and flaking base coat, and redo it.

I'm guessing sand/bead blasting is too dangerous for the soft aluminum casting...input?

I've read a great deal about airplane stripper/remover, however I could see this being extremely painstaking given the multitude of fins and other nooks and crannies on the engine.

Any recommended ways of doing this? Can I just take a wire brush wheel to the clear coat and lay down a fresh layer of primer, followed by base coat and clear coat (all high heat of course)?

Thanks.

 

Pull the mill & have it soda blasted, so you can start with a clean canvas.
just re-read that, the mill is not in a frame. Too easy.

 

There are lots of different media that can be used safely on aluminum, like ground walnut shells, and some plastic beads can be used. But first, try a chemical paint stripper such as Methylene Chloride. Brush it on, spray it on, works great, even in nooks and crannies. Let it sit for a half hour then if you have close access, pressure wash the thing, then use compressed air to get rid of the water. Media blasting should be used when you want to get rid of any aluminum oxidation.

 

When you have it blasted just make sure ALL the holes are plugged. Soda won't harm the engine.

 

Thanks fellas.