I got an engine block out of a Mitsubishi Eclipse which I'm trying to clean up and turn into a coffee table. Here are pictures of its condition:





I've already tried brushing on liquid paint stripper pretty thick, letting it dry and brushing it with a toothbrush, but it didn't do anything. What should I try next?

 

actually i think that i would start this project with brakeclean... usually used to clean up brake parts. that or coke (as in cola). i understand that you do not intend to use the engine as an engine-
after that more traditional engine cleaning:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=278999

 

I would just take it to a machine shop and have the dip it in their vat. Just have them do it when they do their next load, I dont imagine they will charge more than 20 bucks and it will come out looking showroom new.

 

have an engine or machine shop do it.
dip it or media blast it...

 

I called one machine shop, they said they'd charge $55. Too much.

 

well, there's no magic bullet for that kind of cleanup. For you to do it is going to require a lot of hours and an investment in various cleaning products and polishes and without the right buffing tools (not a PC) getting it cleaned up is going to take forever.

Try another shop

 

Yeah, getting it dipped or having them put it in a parts washer would be the way to go. That will take off just about everything. Just keep calling around, I am sure that you can find a shop to do it cheaper than $50.

Jon

 

You'll probably spend $15-20 just in cleaning supplies, I'd just go for it. It'll look amazing after they do it.

 

I'll call another machine shop tomorrow. Meanwhile tonight I'll try coke and brake cleaner.

 

I would like the see the finish product. Please post when done