... and on a more serious note, like newtoford mentioned, the aircraft stripper does come out like a foam. Something just isn't right about this thread.
And Jamie's not helping... When I think of aircraft stripper (don't go there guys) I think of a thick paste that you brush on. I used it on a John boat, er dinghy, er, small aluminum fishing boat (gotta watch what I say around here). I brushed it on and the paint immediately bubbled up and scraped off really easily. The crap burned when it got on me, and was a mess to clean up. I may be thinking of some other kind of chemical. The stuff you are talking about comes in an aerosol can?
...on your strippers? I am soooo bad... I will try brake cleaner, maybe gun scrubber on a spot or two. Does it still take a lot of wiping or does most of it just run off onto the floor? I hate to ask so much, but I don't want the paint to start peeling off 2 weeks after I put the engine in...
Boy do they get pissed! The brake cleaner does a good job on it's own. But you can use a wire brush on the tough spots. I have a tray on my engine stand so I just let it run into it. Mine has been painted for 3 years and is not peeling.
One thing about using the brake cleaner, or at least the cleaner I used, is it left a moist area. I figured out that the best time to shoot the spray is when the block is not cool to the touch... helps to have some shop lights pointed at the block when you want faster drying. Of course you don't want to be doing this kinda stuff boxed up in a garage or wont be a good thing.
I bought two cans of that brake cleaner, and WOW!!! it really does the job. took off the paint grease, and even the wax pen markings that were on the block when they reassembled it. I just put a towel on the floor, donned eye protection, and shot away. The cans empty out quickly. It took one can per side on a relatively clean engine block (no grease accumulation, just thin layer of paint and oil). Just put primer on it and will shoot first coat of paint in a few minutes...
The aircraft stripper (I just noticed they actually call it Aircraft "Remover", not stripper No wonder they looked at me funny at Home Depot ) comes in either a spray can or a regular can to brush on.