what primer for engine enamel?

[dutch]

I got some rattlecans engine enamel I want to use on my 440, block and heads.  What`s a good primer to use before applying the paint...?

[hemiken]

Hey Dutch, straight out of the can my friend.  No real need for primer when using engine enamel on an engine of course.

[ntstlgl1970]

spend some time getting any grease or loose paint off with a brush and maybe some brake cleaner or laquer thinner will help it come out nice too.

[dutch]

thanks guys,

the block and heads have been washed before machinework was done so there`s no grease or paint on it.
 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Yep, the big thing is getting it prepped. I used Marine clean, but use anything to get all the grease off. 

[challengermaniac]

Bart,

My upfront apology if my ? appears to hijack your post, but I thought it would be appropriate:

I just had my 340 rebuilt in February (not installed as of yet), but I noticed where the High Heat Engine Enamel paint was applied too thin in places and on parts of the valve covers I can actually scratch off the paint with my finger nail.  The low temperature at the time may be partly to blame.  Please don't bother telling me to go back to the mechanic, as I just want to fix this myself.  Can I just lightly sand the valve covers and respray the whole motor? 

Thanks, Charlie 70 Challenger


 

[hemiken]

you will be able to do what you have suggested on your valve covers, i would suggest you get a Scotch Brite pad and lightly scuff the whole engine before you apply color so it will stick better, and make sure you whipe down the scuffed areas with a prepsol to remove any grease and dust from scuffing.

[hemiken]

Hey Dutch, make sure you do not go crazy when cleaning the block and spray any kind of thinner or degreaser solution around areas that have rubber seals if the engine is assembled.  I have seen guys do this and warn them doing so, because once you get the solvent on an assembled engine and it has the rear main seal in it, the seal has a tendancy to adhear or fuse itself to the crankshaft and tear the lips right off the seal in the first rotation of the crank

[dutch]

Hey Dutch, make sure you do not go crazy when cleaning the block and spray any kind of thinner or degreaser solution around areas that have rubber seals if the engine is assembled.  I have seen guys do this and warn them doing so, because once you get the solvent on an assembled engine and it has the rear main seal in it, the seal has a tendancy to adhear or fuse itself to the crankshaft and tear the lips right off the seal in the first rotation of the crank

no worries buddy, I`m painting all parts before assembly 

hey charlie,  make sure the paint that`s already on will stick to the block ...  if it doesn`t you can paint it 10 times and it will still come off...

[wally426ci]

they make an engine primer... is it duplicolor? same company that makes all the good engine paint...

[ntstlgl1970]

Oh yeah, another thing you can do is set the spray can in a bucket of hot tap water for a minute or two after shaking it up to loosen the ball/rattle, then shake again (and dry water off the can of course) This can help the spray can work a little better...

[dutch]

what does it do... pump up the pressure a little?    I`ll try for sure 

[wally426ci]

i think it just helps to use warmer paint.