Painting Engine

[michaelbrainard]

Hey guys...I pulled my 390 and c6 from the 69 today. After a good soaking with engine degreaser and some Greased Lightning and a light power wash, it cleaned up much better than I had expected it would.

My problem: I do not need to tear the motor down but I want to repaint it. I intend on pulling the headers, all accessories, water pump and probably replace the intake. What is the best process for cleaning the motor and parts and what would be a good choice for paint?

[mrsnicks]

Find a carwash that has Hot Water or borrow/rent a hot water pressure washer. Use purple power, or any other industrial cleaner/degreaser.

As for paint use any of the rattle cans in Autozone/Advance Auto that say Hi-temp engine enamel.

Patrick

[DuckRyder]

Once you strip it down use an assortment of brushes and putty knives to loosen the stubborn stuff.

Soak it down with Simple Green and/or Castrol Super Clean, then hit it with the pressure washer (gas powered 2200 or so PSI) and repeat until clean. Twice did it for me.

Dupli Color or Plasti coat engine enamel will provide good results. POR15 will last longer, cost more and be more difficult to apply.

[michaelbrainard]

That looks great...but I am hoping no to have to tear it down that far!

[DuckRyder]

Yeah, that was a fresh build...

If I ever do it again I'll paint it more or less fully assembled.



I had some pictures of that too...But I fear they got lost with the server problems...

[FoMoCo]

I painted my engine awhile back, light ford blue. I blasted the assembled engine with walnut shell media, then primed it for paint. If you prime, use a self-etching primer, not acid-etch. Two light coat will ensurer the paints adhesion to the metal. I sprayed it with PPG concept single stage. It looks glass-slick a year later. This paint is no affected by gas, and didn't yellow around the exhaust. Be sure to prep and prime carfully.

Nick

[Comet]

I've freshend up many an engine with out tearing it apart. Very time consuming, but it has come out nice every time. Basically I used a small brush (tooth brush or small engine brush) and just go over it inch by inch. I didn't want water or chemicals getting into the motor, so I did it this way. I took off all the accessories and hoses, headers, etc. I left the intake on if it too got painted.
Then you need to take your time masking. A sharp knife and clean surface and patience.
One piece of advice though. I once used a primer on one of the high temp engine enamels thinking I would really do a good job on it. DON'T! They go directly on the metal. Mine flaked off after the first run!

[black70cs]

I used the por 15 engine kit with mine, real good stuff!
Charlie