Engine paint is an enamel-based paint which does not remove using conventional paint removal techniques. Engine paint can be removed by using a sandblaster on the surface in which the paint is being removed. It is essential to only use the amount of force with the sandblaster that is necessary to remove the paint. The surface under the paint can be easily damaged if too much force is used with the sandblaster.
Place a tarp on the ground underneath the area you will be working on to catch any debris and make for easy clean up. Protect the area around the engine that will not need to be sandblasted with newspaper or a tarp. Tape around smaller hard to reach areas that should not be disturbed by the sandblaster. You can tape of the port areas using plugs when possible if you choose.
Make sure to wear protective clothing so as not to harm your clothes as well as a mask and goggles so you do not breathe in the dust from the sandblaster or get dust in your eyes. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Wearing boots is a good option for protecting your feet, although any shoes that you don't mind getting dusty should be okay to use as long as they cover your feet entirely.
Be sure all of the valves on the sandblaster are closed before you fill it with silica sand. Using a funnel, fill the tank of the sandblaster with the amount of sand instructed on the sandblaster's manufacturer instructions, which is usually 40 lbs for most average size sandblasters. Seal the tank by pulling the ring device. This closes the tank.
Point the nozzle at the paint on the engine about 8 feet away from the engine surface. Open the sand valve slowly as you point towards the engine. The closer you move the spray valve to the engine the more force will be used to spray the sandblaster. If you need more force to remove the paint, move closer to the engine surface. If you need less force, move farther away.
Continue to sandblast the engine until the paint is removed.
