Engine clean up/prep for paint

[71bigblock]

What do you guys do to prep an engine for paint?  The heads and valve covers are aluminum, as well as timing cover/water pump.  Block is cast.  I can wetsand the valve covers, but the heads and the rest of the cast aluminum will not be easy to clean.  What can I do to get rid of the oxidation?  Also, what about the surface rust on some parts of the block?   I already took of the intake, taped up the head ports, and removed the idler pulleys and motor mounts.  I'm ready to clean it and prep.

Finally, what is the cheapest/best way to paint.  Is there a good rattle can that will last?  Do I need to prime?  I would assume so.  Thanks.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You might want to check out POR-15's website. http://www.por15.com/?gclid=CLqn287Bvo0CFRwfgAodaX-nGw

I bought some kit that included a de-greaser, then marine clean, that you sprayed to the block after removing all paint chips. I assume they have spray paint, but I bought the brush on, and it applies THICK. I put one coat on, then another the next day. You have to give it 4 days to cure, but it does smooth out, and look like it was sprayed on. On another note, use gloves when painting with Por-15, because it will stay on your skin for days, and finger nails for weeks. Ask me how I know. 


  Mike

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Steve,

  This is an old pic as I have changed intake manifolds, but this gives you an idea what mine came out like. April did the same thing to her engine. 

  Mike

[71bigblock]

Looks good Mike, but is that RED?     Please tell me its Hemi Orange   

http://www.por15.com/BEngine-Enamels-B?sc=2&category=1

That must be the stuff you used.  Question though, can you apply this directly over surface rust like the regular POR-15 paint?   

I found some stuff here at home that might get rid of that oxidation with a good soaking and scrubbing, will let you know...

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Steve,

  The engine paint works the same as the usual Por-15 paint. The diffence is the sunlight doesn't affect it. For what it's worth, I went with Ford T-Bird red on mine. I was looking for something that could possibly come close to my exterior paint.    Please be kind to me. 

  Mike

[71bigblock]

Ha ha, thats ok Mike.  I'll have to get that ordered in the next week or two.  Thanks! 

[71bigblock]

Just ordered it today.  1 pint Hemi Orange, and 8 oz of manifold gray.  I have some degreaser here at home.  Should be here in a few days!   

I'll put some pics up when I get it done.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You don't like my Ford T-Bird red?   


  Mike    

[kmyles]

That's looks great!!  I'm going to get the same stuff for my engine!!!

Thanks for the heads up!

[71bigblock]

Ha, I was just going to post here.  I just gave it my first coat.   

I'll be back with some pics   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Ha, I was just going to post here.  I just gave it my first coat.   

I'll be back with some pics   

Let me guess... you can see paint brush lines?  Don't worry about it. Come back tomorrow, it will smooth out a little, and the second coat will cure all. 


  Mike

[71bigblock]

You're right Mike, it needs another one. 

I need to get a smaller brush and start with the spots I missed tomorrow, too.

Cant beat a Hemi painted Hemi Orange!   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Lookin' good Steve.  Seriously, after that second coat, give it 4 days to cure. You will be amazed. 


  Mike

[go-fish]

Holy Moly! Good stuff fellas. I gotta look this stuff up.
Questions for MEK, how long have you had it on? How would it hold up to countless heat cycles and engine cleanings? Any chips or discoloraton around the headers?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Holy Moly! Good stuff fellas. I gotta look this stuff up.
Questions for MEK, how long have you had it on? How would it hold up to countless heat cycles and engine cleanings? Any chips or discoloraton around the headers?

It's been 2 years. So far no problems.