how do i go about repainting my engine if i am not taking it apart. my first guess would be sandblasting but the fear of getting sand in there urks me.

Definitely don't sandblast it... my dad did this once and i about shot him! Theres no way you can keep sand from getting in your engine SOMEWHERE, regardless of how "good" you tape it off... it might not instantly kill it, but it definitely will do it harm. The best way to prep an engine you arent taking completely apart is with some degreaser, some kerosene or even lacquer thinner, and a wire wheel or wire brush... even with that you will have to be very careful to not get shrapnel and debris in your engine anywhere... a trick i've learned for painting a "not so spotless" engine is to shoot it with a very light coat of "cast blast" or equivalent... it sticks to just about anything, and is MUCH more forgiving than engine enamel in a spray bomb... Once you get a light base of this on it, your orange will go on much easier, without fisheyeing etc normally associated with trying to paint over a less than spotless surface (I'm sure we've all experienced the dreaded fish eying and crazing when painting an engine!) another EXCELLENT tip is to use a hair dryer or heat gun when painting... set it on low and warm up the surface just before you spray it... it makes the paint lay on very nicely, and wont run or go "goofy" on you...Also blast it with low heat right after it hits the block... it will "flash dry" it quickly, before it has a chance to mess up. Just dont spray it right into the heat gun or hair drier, for obvious reasons... I've done it this way several times and have had great results.
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My 69 SS Elco (http://members.aol.com/joeybsyc/elcooutside.jpg)
engine (http://members.aol.com/joeybsyc/elcoengine.jpg)
interior (http://members.aol.com/joeybsyc/elcointerior.jpg)

[This message has been edited by Joey B (edited 07-19-2002).]