Painting Engine

[terrible one]

I need some opinions on painting my engine.

It's bare, dry, and clean right now.

I was at first just going to do a rattle can job with some VHT or such, but I have heard lots about using a primer before painting, etc.

Firstly, I do not have the means to apply paint via paint gun with an air compressor. What I was wondering was should I use a rattle can primer on the engine before painting it with the VHT or such, or would it not make a difference in this case?

I just want this to look good and last. Any input is welcome and appreciated.

[8WHEELER]

I know there are several ways of doing this. I have had great luck with rattle can Mopar paint. I do
put a couple coats of primer on the valve covers only, because the paint can run very easy on them.

Anyway, this is the way I like to do it and have won best engine at a couple of shows.
I am sure there will be a lot of others with different ways of doing the paint, people have
better luck with different things as we all know.  Good Luck

Dan

[moparguy01]

I have never had any luck with rattle can paint. I use epoxy then base/clear or single stage.

if you have to use rattle can, go with a good primer and then the paint, but make sure to do alot of good prep work.brake cleaner works good for engines I found, but the good stuff since it doesnt leave as much residue. then use some lacquer thinner on a lint free rag till it comes mostly clean then spray.

[Silver R/T]

better pay a little extra to have it painted professionally with base coat/clear system

[terrible one]

8WHEELER & moparguy01,

Thanks a lot for the information.

Silver R/T,

If I was able to do that, intended to, could, etc, I wouldn't have started this post asking for other ways to paint my engine besides a base/clear job.

[Recharger]

8WHEELER & moparguy01,

Thanks a lot for the information.

Silver R/T,

If I was able to do that, intended to, could, etc, I wouldn't have started this post asking for other ways to paint my engine besides a base/clear job.

 

TO, I painted my engine with high temp spray paint, and used a high temp rattle-can primer too.  It hasn't been too long since I did it, but it seems to be relatively durable so far.  It might not last as long as a single stage or base/clear paint job, but for $12 I think it's a decent way to go.  If you want to keep the layers of paint to a minimum, you might look into using a metal prep solution or muriatic acid or something similar to etch the metal before you paint.  Good luck with it 

[TylerCharger69]

Ya know...I firmly believe that cleanliness and good prep is the key for engine paint to stick well and hold up.  After machine shop, there is all kinds of residues all over the block.   Especially WD-40, since most machine shops spray the cranks and the cylinders right directly after the boreing process. This stuff could be bad news if it isn't cleaned off thoroughly.  I used a few gallons of lacquer thinner (after I assembled the engine itself)  and cleaned it thoroughly.  I did use a high dollar primer....got a pint of it  and just dust coated the whole engine with it.  I used the rattle can method of applying the paint, and it seems to be holding up just fine.   I might add, that on the inside of the lifter valley, and on the top side of the heads I used that red paint  (can't think for the life of me what it was called....anybody?)  so that oil won't stick so easily to it.    But....not everybody does this, that's just preference.

[RT/SE]

Given your situation - I think you can do a very nice job with rattle cans.  The key is to use a good quality product.  Take a look at this website:

http://www.hirschauto.com/acb/showprod.cfm?&DID=27&CATID=1&ObjectGroup_ID=1

Bill Hisrch sells engine paint and a high temp engine primer in rattle cans. Their products (especially engine paint) have an excellent repuation and the company has been around forever.   I think they would work well for you since you do not have spray equipment.  The key to a good job is great prep work.  Don't even think about putting down your first coat until your engine is totally clean and grease free.  Spend lots of time on prep work and it will pay off for you in the long run.  Good luck with your project.

[73chargers4404]

i used the por-15 engine paint with rattle can primer and it shines like crazy .but it pisses me off you can see the roughness of the cast on the block under the paint .

[Drop Top]

Hears a note. The thicker the paint and or primer. The warmer the engine will run. In cold climates this wont mater. But in warmer climates it maters alot.
If you dont want the texture of the block to come through. Take a dye grinder to it and grind it smooth. Be for warend its a lot of work and after its in the engine bay you wont be able to tell the differance.
That red primer for the valley is Rustoleum. Or you can use a die grinder in those areas too. Not as much work as doing the outside of the block and it wont peal off after awile like paint will. The paint trick is use all the time in race motors. But remember these motors are torn down and inspected on a regular basis. The engine inbetween your fenders hopefully wont be coming out in a long wile. Enless some of that paint flakes off and plugs your oil screen. I'm saying this because I've seen it happen. I would not paint the inside of a street engine just my 2 cents.

[terrible one]

Thanks everyone for the heap of information! I love this forum. 

[73 Charger 440]

Dont use acid... it will eat away the gaskets.

[Silver R/T]

I just hate for someone wasting time and money pulling out engine, prepping it and then going cheap ass rattle can job. if you do it once, do it right. I have rattle can job on my 440 and every time some oil/gas goes on it, paint comes off

[73chargers4404]

ive heard painting the oil vally with die eletric armature paint would  improve how quick your oil would return to the crank case

[TylerCharger69]

armature paint...that's the word i was pondering for