Vapor (Vapour) blasting - How does it hold up long term?

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Got a freshly blasted motor. Did it 6 months back but stored it boxed while i organised some parts. Im getting ready to rebuild it now. Here's the thing. You read a lot that vapour blasting has a subtle peening effect that seals that surface and helps it last 'raw'. That's cool. But i wanted to test that. I took 2 oil filter covers that were blasted at the same time. I selected which one i wanted to keep. The other one i put outside in the weather and simply left it for the better part of 6 months. For the first 3 or 4 months it was ok. Then the rain started.... Photos attached. You can see the oxidisation beginning at the lowest side of the cover where the water runs too. I can't help but think i'd be pretty gutted if it rebuilt everything and 6 months later i had obvious oxide forming on top of the fresh ali surfaces.

So my question is: anyone run a raw vapour blasted engine long term. How did it hold up? Are there any options for keeping it raw and minimising the risk? Liberal sprays with ACF-50 or similar? Or do i have it coated...
Cheers team...
 

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My understanding is there are several different types of process that are called the same thing, they all say they are vapor blasting. I rang a guy in Brisbane and had a yarn to him about his process and what the differences were compared to others. He is a single operator who stands by his product claims.

Here is a link, maybe worth a chat to get a different perspective.
http://www.wetblasting.net/
 
My understanding is there are several different types of process that are called the same thing, they all say they are vapor blasting. I rang a guy in Brisbane and had a yarn to him about his process and what the differences were compared to others. He is a single operator who stands by his product claims.

Here is a link, maybe worth a chat to get a different perspective.
http://www.wetblasting.net/

hmmm....I've watched the guy i used do it. It was a wet slurry in recirculating system spraying a fine mist. Im not sure if it would constitute low or high pressure... Definitely a one stage process though. I note that the link you gave me mentions a micro shot peening benefit but doesn't make clear if thats another step.
My guy claimed to me the finish lasts well. Showed me parts he had done 10 years back. The thing is though, if they have only been kept in a shop or garage for 10 years, well that a bit pointless...
 
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I must apologise for giving you bad advice regarding removal of the starter gear post prior to vapour blasting. I did not remove mine and gave the same advice to you.

Following the blasting I thought I had thoroughly cleaned the cases.

Before assembly turning the clean case over I noticed white residue on the inside.

There is a small crescent shaped opening on the inside of the cases into the back of the starter gearpost housing. Cleaning residue had accumulated in there and after drying was coming out.

Please check yours.

It was tricky to clean out but used running water and compressed air.

I did not post this earlier because it was a long time between getting the cases cleaned and assembly and I thought you would have discovered this for yourself before I did.

As to your question I don’t know how long vapour blasting finish lasts as the bike only gets wet occasionally and is stored in a workshop.

I have used purple polish on some parts and quite like the matt finish .
 
I must apologise for giving you bad advice regarding removal of the starter gear post prior to vapour blasting. I did not remove mine and gave the same advice to you.

Following the blasting I thought I had thoroughly cleaned the cases.

Before assembly turning the clean case over I noticed white residue on the inside.

There is a small crescent shaped opening on the inside of the cases into the back of the starter gearpost housing. Cleaning residue had accumulated in there and after drying was coming out.

Please check yours.

It was tricky to clean out but used running water and compressed air.

I did not post this earlier because it was a long time between getting the cases cleaned and assembly and I thought you would have discovered this for yourself before I did.

As to your question I don’t know how long vapour blasting finish lasts as the bike only gets wet occasionally and is stored in a workshop.

I have used purple polish on some parts and quite like the matt finish .

All good Signal. Yeah life got in the way. You never removed that starter gear post? I was considering having the cases coated regardless (factory had some sort of coat on the top half) but i think that needs to come out in order to do that. It looks like a mission.
 
they use glass beads when they vapor..its just mixed with water..all the shops that do it always coat
 
The guy who vapored my top end recommended a hose down (controlled) of ACF-50 over the aluminum at the start and end of the summer. The surface is sealed but ACF is an added layer of protection. It's used to prevent oxidation of parts in the aircraft industry.
 
Once the process is done, you have unprotected metal. If it was pure aluminum, it would last a very long time. Aluminum gets a fine oxide coat that protects it. We are dealing with an aluminum alloy. Left unprotected, it's going to corrode over time.
 
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Got a bit of an update for those interested. Spoke to another more (ahem) professional vapour blasting outfit. Told them about the weathering. It occurred that perhaps the blasting wasn't done properly in the first place. Maybe dirty or improper media. Maybe not enough pressure or something. Anyway they said send a few parts, we'll do em and send em back so you can compare no charge. Check out the comparison.... Left side = newly blasted (was the crusty weathered cover from my first post). Right side = blasted as part of the original batch but carefully stored inside. So I guess not all vapour blasters are created equal.
 

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Here is a link, maybe worth a chat to get a different perspective.
http://www.wetblasting.net/

I've used Wayne from Jimboomba in the past.
He did some carb bodies and an engine case and they look great after 5 years.
Any oil or grease etc on them, a wipe with shellite cleans them up well.
 
Here is a link, maybe worth a chat to get a different perspective.
http://www.wetblasting.net/

I've used Wayne from Jimboomba in the past.
He did some carb bodies and an engine case and they look great after 5 years.
Any oil or grease etc on them, a wipe with shellite cleans them up well.

650Skull also mentioned that guy. Looks like he does a great job and backs up his work. Shame I have the Tasman Sea to deal with or id be sending it all to him!
 
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