Engine paint prep

[Low84]

How are you all cleaning up you're engine blocks to ready them for paint? Sand paper, sandblast?

Also how are you all polishing the heads? I tried using steel wool, it's making it smooth but not making them look any better.

[mooseknuckles]

I used a grinder and drill with wire wheels....

[LEEVON]

I soda blasted one. I won't do that again, because the soda gets into the threads and has to be cleaned out. If you miss any and it dries, you basically have to tap it. I wouldn't use sand. Good old fashioned degreaser, paint thinner and brushes works for me too.

[JNJchev77]

I used a little bit of both above, plus I took some wax, grease and dirt remover, put it on a spray bottle and used that with some wire brushes. Worked well for the block with all the nooks and crannies.

[mccurrkm]

attachment for air compressor that has the hose on it. Put the hose in purple power/water mix and blast the grime away

[BR3W CITY]

I had mine on the stand and sprayed it with foamy degreaser and let it sit, then rinse. Came back with a scotchbrite for the hard areas (under the motor mounts).

about 2 medium wet coats of prime, wait a few, then 3medium wed coats of engine enamel.
Its been about 1 year and 5ish thousand miles (including rain, some gravel, dirt rds etc) and it still looks pretty good.

Got a tiny chip here and there but very minimal .