So I'm building a 410 for my 72 f100 and I was painting it today. It's already been machined and everything. I taped it off but I probably got a little paint along the edge of the deck. Would it be okay to use a light sand paper to smooth it off or does it matter? Also, a little rust dissolver ran onto the deck while applying it to the block and left some streaks which I can feel are slightly less smooth than the clean parts of the deck. Water or wd40 won't take it off, so I was wondering if that matters as well and if so is there a fine grit sand paper I could use? Thanks.

 

The engine deck should be as clean and flat as possible with no snags or imperfections if you run your finger across it. Maybe try a new sharp razor blade to try scraping off the paint around the edges. Or some paint thinner and a rag. You could try some very very fine steel wool to try going over the rust dissolver. Just be sure not to scratch Into the block.

 

Just use some acetone on a rag to take the paint off.

 

Some bad things can happen from the use of sand paper or steel wool if any grit & small bits gets into cyl walls & rings/pistons oil passages places it should not be.

It's best to keep that type of stuff away from an opened engine block that has been cleaned or half assembled. So I'd do any clean up of over spray with acetone or Lacquer thinner on a rag that has low lent coming off it.

And as you can see how easy it is to have an accident from spilling or dropping stuff where it should not be.

Orich

Orich

 

Thanks guys. I'll try it. I have some xylene and that seems pretty good at removing paint so I'll try it

 

So I found a new razor blade and that did the job well it seems. The streaks are still visible, but it's completely smooth now. I think it's probably just stained some.

 

Take some cleaner and a lint free rag to get any last remaining residue off before assembly.

 

you should be able to use emery cloth or sandpaper on that spot and not get anything in the cylinder.......

 

Well there is some right at the edge of the cylinder so I'd have to be very careful!