>
> > I'm going the overhaul the engine and box on my Mini and would
> > like to paint them before they go back in the car. The engine's
> > not that greasy but I'd like to remove the old paint first (what
> > there is of it). I'm sure I've read somewhere that you can use a
> > caustic solution, like you might use to unblock a drain, is this
> > to be recommended? The head and block are cast iron and the 'box
>
> I strongly recommend against a caustic solution. I tried using oven
> cleaner on a rear axle. It cleaned it pretty well, but despite generous
> washing afterward, it got rusty very quickly. Also, aluminum does not
> like to be cleaned with caustic soda or the equivalent.
If the outside is to be painted and the inside coated with oil then
rusting probably won't be a problem. Caustic solutions have the
advantage of removing both paint and grease. However, you might want to
use something milder than drain cleaner. I've had good luck with
trisodium phosphate. I do agree that it's not a good idea for you to
use it on your aluminum casing. How about steam cleaning?
Roland
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