How do you make engine parts look like new?

[mswyka]

Is there an easy way to make engine parts look like new?  I have not found anything in my shop that will clean up aluminum to make it even look close to a new engine.   I would appreciate insights on this topic.

[Lloyd (ljm)]

 
 I have not done it (yet) but I have seen engine parts that were sandblasted and parts that were soda blasted. Both looked really good.

Soda blasting is easier on the engine parts.

 I bought (but don't have it set up yet) a blasting cabinet that I intend to set up as a soda blasting cabinet.

[gixxer6]

I have sandblasted engine parts with excellent results.  I have seen bead blasted parts, they look good, but I prefer the sandblasting. 

[mswyka]

 I have not done it (yet) but I have seen engine parts that were sandblasted and parts that were soda blasted. Both looked really good.

Soda blasting is easier on the engine parts.

 I bought (but don't have it set up yet) a blasting cabinet that I intend to set up as a soda blasting cabinet.

Lloyd, is that baking soda or Coca Cola?

[gavinvader]

ive had good luck witha wire wheel

[JDmatt]

Baking soda or walnut blasting.  Sandblasting can pit aluminum pretty bad.

[gixxer6]

This is my engine that I sandblasted.  I sandblasted the exterior of each part prior to assembly.  While I can't vouch for all sandblasters and operators, but I experienced zero pitting. 

[Lloyd (ljm)]

Mark

 Baking soda. Much easier on parts that sand.

[mswyka]

This is my engine that I sandblasted.  I sandblasted the exterior of each part prior to assembly.  While I can't vouch for all sandblasters and operators, but I experienced zero pitting.

I would be very satisfied with an engine that looked like that!

[Interceptor398]

A fine bead works good.  I've not yet tried the soda but hear it works good.

[Trucker]

I have tried both beads and soda results were similar but the beads did the job faster.

[JDmatt]

This is my engine that I sandblasted.  I sandblasted the exterior of each part prior to assembly.  While I can't vouch for all sandblasters and operators, but I experienced zero pitting.

Maybe pitting is the wrong word, but your cylinders look pretty roughed up from the sand.  You would end up with a smoother, more gloss finish with something less abrasive. 

[Tory944]

Aaaah... sand blasting.   Just when you think you've washed and scrubbed enough...  somehow that sand can get in places that you wouldn't believe!!!  My opinion....  sand is best left for parts other than engine parts, or the beach. 

[hj1515]

i just redid a 1989 Polaris INDY 500 and I had teh top end sand blasted and teh bottom end bead blasted. Only reason for the 2 was that I took the top end off and kept it to just clean up and teh bottom end i sent whole to the crank shop where they redid the crank and blasted the parts etc. There was no difference in the bottom or top end with the different methods. Like the previous post said too... maybe it depends on the operator but my engione had no pitting or issues from teh blasting it looked better than factory original! :-)