Paint removal questions

[GLoweVA]

Okay, my G has a really crappy PO engine paint job.
The PO had painted everything metal from the carb bowls down to the starter cover.
Anyway, after a decade of use, most/some of this (enamel I think) has peeled/come off.
I want to take it all off and get back to the aluminum look.
I know that brake fluid is a great paint remover, but does it damage the almuninum?
I was thinking about sand blasting, but then I'd have to figure out how to plug up all the holes, or do it one piece at a time. (I don't have a blaster (or compressor), but the Auto Hobby Shop on Base has an enclosure.)
I just think that blasting would be better, but WAY time consuming considering the disassembly required, SO maybe some sort of spray on stuff, like brake fluid and washing it off with the hose may be easier.

Any ideas for a budget minded fella?

[donebysunday]

Might try a can of carb cleaner ? If it starts to bubble the paint then buy a bunch at WMart, protect anything you don't want to take the paint off of.

[GLoweVA]

Here's a preview of what I've got to work with:

[BradW87]

Agreed

Might try a can of carb cleaner ? If it starts to bubble the paint then buy a bunch at WMart, protect anything you don't want to take the paint off of.

Carb cleaner works great! I know from accidental pain removal in the past

[kjohnson]

Aircraft stripper works well too. I've used that a few times before.

[CaptonZap]

Brake fluid won't hurt aluminum. The brake calipers are made out of aluminum.
It is rather expensive to use as a paint remover, unless you can have all the guys that bleed their brakes save the drainings.

[lakecountrydave]

I have had great luck with aircraft stripper, but I have no idea how it will effect the aluminum.

[BillyRok]

I've used aircraft stripper to remove the dull black paint from calipers, the paint was adhered pretty good but came off after letting the stripper work for several hours...didn't see any adverse effects on the aluminum. I bet it would take the flaky paint off your covers pretty quickly, then you can polish them up some...anything from the "aluminum look" to a mirror finish. The spray comes out as a light foam and is a little hard to control over spray if things aren't disassembled.

[BradW87]

Aircraft stripper

The aircraft stripper sounds like a decent idea. Pretty sure aircrafts are made of aluminium as well so my bet it it would be safe. It a has been my experiance that any stripper is expensive

[cpmaynard1980]

ive been using aircraft stripper on the kz. the guy painted everthing thick. It starts to bubble the paint quick. I think i git my spray on can from walmart.

[DGXSER]

I've used the stripper on plenty of aluminum parts with no ill effect. I would definitely wrap anything you do not want stripped with foil or tape or plastic...something to keep the stuff off of it.

[Tat2demon]

If youre going to go with Aircraft I recommend getting the pail and brushing it on. Ive had better luck with that over the spray can.

[mmatches1]

Acetone is an effective paint remover and I learned this the hard way after spilling some on a tank. However it stinks and evaporates quickly.

[IanDMacDonald]

DO NOT GET AIRCRAFT REMOVER ON YOUR SIDECOVERS! It will literally melt the plastic. Don't ask me how I know!

[clcorbin]

The last bike engine I saw stripped was done with "sand blasting" using crushed walnut shells instead of sand. It worked well if you have access to a good sand blast cabinet.