manifold question

[davidmiles]

Hello can anyone answer a specific query I have, my manifold is in quite a state, I intend to get it shot blasted along with the other items in the picture, will the blasting process harm the manifold shoulders or flat portions where it joins the engine outlet ports? I'm wondering if it would harm the gas tight seal, even with new gaskets.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Best protect them with an old gasket bolted on. Then run a flat file over the faces before fitting. Why not just 'pickle' it in some cheap Coke and see how that works? 'Shot' blasting seems a bit extreme....... sure you don't mean bead blasting ??

[davidmiles]

If bead blasting would work better I'd ask for that. I had thought about wire wheeling it, but the dust would be terrible, worse than ony other rusted part.
I am however intrigued by you Coke Idea, I feel an experiment coming on, what brand works best?

[bmcecosse]

Any cheap Cola - it's the phosphoric acid you want!

[dalebrignall]

probally the value stuff it ruins teeth

[mike.perry]

The brand that gives the best belch

[charlie_morris_minor]

why not try electolytic rust removal as featured in practical classics about a year ago.. it does a lovely job on parts that have difficult to get to areas and is kind on metal..

[bmcecosse]

Much detailed in this forum in the past - it should be made a sticky!

[les]

I've had quite a few cast iron bits sand blasted in the past and the flat surfaces were not harmed, in fact have been told that it does not even damage threads, but have always taped these up! Of course a lot depends on the operator I expect if the blast nozzle was held on one place for a while things may be different.

[bmcecosse]

So called 'sand' (actually 'beads of glass') blasting is one thing - but shot blasting is very much more severe!

[davidmiles]

Well I went the DIY route and wire brushed it and used HAMMERITE Krust, the outside is looking good, I'll have to get the inside as crust free.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Such dedication.........

[Kevin]

So called 'sand' (actually 'beads of glass') blasting is one thing - but shot blasting is very much more severe!

Sorry but beads of glass is bead blasting not sand blasting which is not used much nowadays because of health issues, but the term is still used with different materials, for a better explanation.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sandblasting.htm

[davidmiles]

submerged in Coke overnight, just to see the effects...[frame][/frame]

[davidmiles]

the effects speak for themselfs.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Yes Kevin - there really is NO 'sand' blasting these days - it's not allowed because of silicosis risk. Most use glass beads - but there are other options.