Bill Freeman wrote:

Paul,

For internal engine parts I would stick to walnut hulls or
ground corn cob.  Walnut hulls are harder and will remove
faster, but the dust is an irritant.  Corn cob dust seems much
more benign, to me at least.  I have heard stories about
walnut wood dust causing severe allergic reactions after repeated
exposure.  I think the nut hulls may have a similar effect.
At least use a dust mask and do it outdoors.

Stay away from aluminum oxide due to probable dimension
changes, this can be very agressive.  Glass beads are much
less agressive and I might trust them on iron parts, altho
the embedding issue on aluminum parts may be real.

Oven cleaner has worked very well for me on pistons, but be
careful not do leave it on too long - it is basically lye (sodium
hydroxide) and will blind quickly.  Use gloves and goggles.  Rinse
with lots of water.  A dip in a mild acid like a weak vinegar solution
may be a good idea to kill the last traces of the strong base, esp
in any crevices.  Rinse, rinse, rinse.   Of course, don't use
more than 1.5 gallons, you're in CA, ya know.    ;-)

Bill

Hi Bill. Been away on vacation? Your ISP has been bugging me about your
email account :-)

Paul Lamar
 
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