Sandblasting Vs. Steam cleaning

I have a tractor that has been stripped down to the engine, transmission, and rear axles. I need to clean it but I don't know which way to go. I have a small sand blaster (1/2" ID hose) but I can't rent an air compressor big enough to run it. I was also exploring the option of renting a steam pressure washer and steam cleaning all the old paint and grease off.

If I sand blasted it, i'd have to carry the chassis to someone and have them do it by means of loading/unloading with a forklift which kinda scares me. I'm also worried about sand getting in the engine and transmission. I can't rent a true steam cleaner, but the guy says he'll rent me a high pressure washer that may or may not remove the paint so it sounds skeptical at best.

Should I spray the whole thing down with oven cleaner and try my luck with the pressure washer (even though I have new gaskets all over the place) or do I run the risk of sandblasting and do it myself being extrememly careful? What say ye?

Jeb

Personally, I would use the lye gravy (He gives the recipe)and get a tank on wheels for enough water to powerwash it when the lye is done.3gpm pump= only 15 minutes of wash time when using a 55 gallon drum.Won't get much done doing it that way.There has been some recent discussions at MH &MF site that may be of help too concerning epoxy primer etc.

Yes, i know all about electrolysis and I have used it on my personal tractor to great satisfaction. I am currently working on restoring a tractor for the company I work for. The problem is, I am needing to clean the entire engine/tranny/rear end as a complete, assembled unit. There's no way I can build a tank big enough to house all of that! I don't want to have to completely disassemble all of this just to clean it. No sense in tearing down a working engine just to clean the block, y'know? If I had torn it down to rebuild or something like that, then yes, I would do electrolysis but that is not a viable option right now. Thanks anyway for the suggestion.

JEb

Regards, DL

Thanks

http://www.fboerger.com/

It cost about $9 per 18 ounce aerosol can.

Just a suggestion and may help in your water problem. Like the other post said you could use a 55 gal drum of water(and pressure washer) and some cans of Chisel and get the job done fast.

I think you would be amazed at how this stuff removes paint.

• Loctite Chisel

Chisel is more like a foam than a liquid spray. Unless you over do it, it pretty much stays where you spray it. I expect if you have space you could use some cardboard (straight edge to hold against the edge of the gaskets and spray above and below. You could also wipe the edge of the gasket off before it has time to dissolve it. Just wear rubber gloves and goggles if you try it.

Like I said it's just a thought from what I've seen chisel do. You may want to try one can and see what you think. If it works like it used to you can spray it on,watch it bubble and fizz and in a few minutes you can use a rag to wipe it off. It'll be bare metal looking at you.

Davis In SC, in the poat above found a real deal in that dollar per can buy. Davis I'm gonna call you old lucky.(LOL) Now I'd like to run up on a deal like that. I've got a cattle trailer that's beginning to rust some and I'll get started on that in the next few weeks. Some chisel would work great around the hinges,latches, and any pivot points. Darn good buy you made Davis!!

Jeb2N, click on the link and when the page opens go down the page to LOCTITE 79040 if you order online.

• LOCTITE/79040

As long as the company is paying... have them order you up a water truck. Even the small ones carry 2,000 gallons. Make sure they know you want it left there all day for you.