OK to sandblast cylinder head?

[webbch]

I'm planning to sandblast the cylinder head (INSIDE the head, including the exhaust port) on my '84 200s and '84 110 as they have a bunch of carbon buildup I'd like to remove. I've already removed the valves and valve seals. I'm planning to tape off the cam journals, and probably need to plug the valve guides as well. Anything I should be concerned about with this plan?

[barnett468]

no, just use low pressure like 20 lbs and increaee as necessary. your orig has a "skin" on the outside thsat sort of protects it from stains. it nay be long gone now but your head will stain easily afterwards. some people paint them with high temp dull aluminum paint or clear.

blow it out good then wash it out good with warm water and dish soap in the sink when the old lady is gone. you can not easily rinse all the sand off with plain water for some reason.

plastic media is less abrasive.

[tripledog]

Soda blasting is a safer way to go...

[czac]

Sandblast the INSIDE? I don't know... it that a good idea or not? Im thinking just wash it out with some parts cleaner? Sand blasting my make marks on the walls of the cylinder and stuff, you can probably use a higher grit honer... "flex hone" makes some nice ones. I don't think id want to blast the carbon off though but, maybe its not as bad as im expecting it to be... lol

[Flyingw]

I have blasted many heads although I use glass bead. Sand may be too aggressive.

[webbch]

I'm using glass bead as well. Not blasting the cylinder walls or cam journal surfaces - but I did blast the combustion chamber of the head, which cleaned up quite nicely, as well as the exhaust port, which was caked with carbon buildup.

[Flyingw]

That's the way I do it. Rock on Brother!!!