Ready to reassemble engine but should I prep/paint first?

[FiremanBob]

I put this in the paint section but am re-posting here because it wasn't seen there. In addition to the paint question, where can I get the tab lock washers for the gear change fork screws?

My engine is now completely disassembled and I spent several hours yesterday cleaning the cases in a big parts cleaning tank. I' not at all happy with the result - there is still quite a bit of corrosion and gunk. Having rubbed off much of the old paint with my brass brush I'll need to repaint the engine anyway, so I'm thinking of bead blasting it now.

Can I do it in parts or should I wait until the engine is re-assembled? I wouldn't want to damage gasket mating surfaces with blasting.

What is the best medium to use?

Would it be worth buying a cabinet or is it cheaper/better to send the work out? What kind of vendor does media blasting anyway?

Thanks.

[davomoto]

Bob, I always blast while apart, fine glass is the best medium. Only the outer cases were painted origionall, clutch and kicker covers, all else bare aluminum. You'll have to weigh the cost of purchasing equipment, vs cost to have it done.

davomoto

[sprocket]

Bob,
Try to find someone who does soda blasting (Google it) does a first rate job with no chance of foreign matter getting left behind. Karl

[68Cb77]

yes, bead blasting i think is best. I think doing after it is put together is a bad idea, that fine glass will find its way in anywhere. I just covered the mating surfaces with masking tape, that will save them. The engine parts turn out beautiful bead blasted.

[FiremanBob]

Thanks. I know that a big enough cabinet and media from Harbor Freight will run about $300. I have the number of a place in Worcester MA (the closest, according to Google Maps) and will ask them tomorrow.

I'm really eager to get this bike back together. Doing the engine right will really help with keeping up the motivation to do a good job on the rest.