Sandblast Aluminum Bellhousing?

[73k5blazer]

During this (sloooow) build/restoration, I've sandblasted a lot. I mean a lot, I've probably run through $150 in sandblasting sand over the past few years.
Anyhow, I'm getting closer to the end (I see light at the end of the tunnel!), so I pull my SM465-SBC bellhousing off the shelf, and it's still nasty as hell. I remember soaking it for weeks in my parts washer and still it has caked on crud, taking it out and saying to myself I'll finish cleaning that thing later and putting it on the shelf.

Is there any problems in sandblasting aluminum? I've done it before, on very small pieces that don't show anywhere, and not on anything critical. Am I going to damage this thing at all if I blast it?

 

[big83chevy4x4]

ive heard that sandblasting aluminum weakens it, but bead blasting does not. how true this is i don't know.

 

[tRustyK5]

I had a cast aluminum manifold 'glass beaded'...no trouble at all. If you're worried about it get it media blasted, plastic beads, walnut shells etc etc.

Rene

 

[pornorob]

You should have no problem blasting that bellhousing. I used to work as a sandblaster for an aerospace company. I used to sand blast aluminum bulk heads for f-18s with 220 grit aluminum grit at 90 psi. those are the main structures that support the jet and there was no problem with weakness. IF you are that concerned blast it at 40 psi and there is no way you are going to hurt it.