'78 Z1-R Engine Repaint

what CFM is your compressor? I have to use my big compressor to run the soda blaster. Its 13 CFM at 90 PSI.
If the paint has really good adhesion already, maybe just make sure its really clean and degreased , and paint over it to touch up.

If your dead set on removing the paint you might want to go with a different media. Soda doesn't really provide much of a tooth on aluminum for the paint to stick to. I had my engine cases blasted with a 50/50 mix of glass beads and granite. It gave it a pretty nice tooth that is perfect for paint adhesion, and it also increased surface area slightly so it will cool better, like wrinkle paint, kinda. If you go this route make sure the cases are WELL MASKED, and only areas to be painted are blasted. pay specific attention to area where oil seals and stuff fit. Also you will have to worry less about media getting into the oil channels and stuff.

Not sure of CFM but suspect it's most of the problem as it's only a little compressor. Thanks for your advice - I'll be giving it a good clean and degrease before I make a final "D" on whether to remove all paint or touchup.

Have degreased and washed the engine - paint is pretty flaky/bubbled and generally pretty rough. I've wire brushed/sanded where I can but looks like the "masterblaster" will be getting some work to remove all the remaining paint before repaint. I intend to use VHT Engine Enamel(Satin Black)- this will be going on blasted surfaces. Do I need to prepare/prime before the enamel and is the clear finish coat required/recommended? (Not trying to be a cheapass but just want to get best value for my dollars and get a good durable finish)

No need to prime or clear engine enamel.

While "VHT is ok" if you want a durable paint.....I prefer to use PJ1 satin black.

+ 1 on the PJ1 satin black :blink: way better than VHT :pinch:

G'day fellow (K)Zedders - thanks for the advice on engine enamel - 2 votes for PJ1, nil for VHT so far. I understand that there's no need to prime the blasted surfaces or clear coat over the top. Anyone have advice otherwise?

Been awhile since I chimed in. I love the PJ1. VHT works on headers!
If you have air (compressor) and a spray gun. I always would put laquer thinner in the gun and spray it all over everything being painted. Let it all evaporate. Then paint! Heat would be great at the end. Know any one with a powdercoat oven? Spray engine parts and bake the paint to cure it for about 4 hours. Then it is done. I have a can of gloss black PJ1 sitting to do a KZ engine, 1 of these days.
I have a complete set of covers powdercoated black waiting to go together with stainless bolts for the covers. Looks good in my brain!
Make sure you clean the outer cyl fins and head fins off like a 73 Z1 engine! The only way to do a black Z engine!!
Good luck and show pics when done!

It is inadvisable to spray lacquer thinner before painting even if it has fully evaporated. it is not a cleaning agent, and paint adhesion will be compromised. Lacquer thinner is formulated be slower drying to match lacquer application requirements, there are oils and other additives to make it compatible. it is possible to use it as a cleaning agent if you properly wipe it off after, however it will only clean what it can dissolve which is.... paint and oil. other contaminates will not be removed by it. Use a purpose created degreaser/prep cleaner, preferably one that takes a while to dry allowing you to completely wipe off any contaminates and the cleaner itself. don't use regular paper towels.

Since you are getting it blasted I wouldn't even worry about degreasing. Once it is blasted never handle it with your bare hands, glove up, and as long as you paint it right away all you may want to do it spray it with air to remove any left over media or dust. Plus if you masked your cases for media blasting, you don't have to worry about a cleaner dissolving the mask before paint.

also heat at the end definitely helps, but getting your pieces hot (100-150F) and having the environment be warm during the painting goes a long way too. its 45-50f where i live now if i wanted to paint i would put a space heater and some heat lamps in my garage to get the temp about to about 75f.

good luck!