Painting Engine

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tony20110

tony20110

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Ok so this might be a very dumb question but I'm a newbie so I'm just going to ask it.

I am going to do the engine MoPar blue. I plan on a coat of gray primer before the paint. Is that the common practice? Or is just the paint ok?
 
I've never used primer on an engine. Make sure it's clean and grease free and use a high heat paint. I've had good luck with VHT Engine paint. There are others out there as well. Just an FYI I would advise against using any type of clear on an engine or components. It's always yellowed on me.
 
The factory didn't use primer. I've never used primer. The engine needs to be clean,clean,clean,with a good hi-temp engine paint. I like the Mopar Performance paint.
 
I use a little etch primer, out of a spray can is fine. The primer will help adhesion but mostly it helps your top coat cover.

Some gray primer will allow your mopar blue to cover quicker and more evenly.


The factory didn't use primer because they didn't care. Same reason they had over spray on the manifolds.

The engine only had to look good enough to get the car sold. What it looked like 3 month later didn't matter.
 
1968FormulaS340 said:
I use a little etch primer, out of a spray can is fine. The primer will help adhesion but mostly it helps your top coat cover.

Some gray primer will allow your mopar blue to cover quicker and more evenly.


The factory didn't use primer because they didn't care. Same reason they had over spray on the manifolds.

The engine only had to look good enough to get the car sold. What it looked like 3 month later didn't matter.
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Ditto, exactly!
 
I used primer on the heads and timing cover before the paint and it seemed to make the blue look lighter. Has anyone found that to be true?
 
The reason the factory did not use primer on the engines is that it adds to the cost.

Another consideration is that the thicker the paint (and primer) the more the engine will retain heat.

As for painting the engine, it's like any other metal surface. Make sure it's free of rust, dust, and oil. If you want color to adhere to the soft metal parts (e.g. valve covers, air cleaner housing, coil bracket, timing cover) give a shout to Cudachick1968 about powder coating. It's more expensive than paint, but much more resistant to scratching. Leanna does great work and gives a discount to FABO members.
 
I wouldn't use primer if your using paint from the can, just clean all grease off, if your using automotive paint I use a light coat of ppg dp 40 and then single stage enamel, sent a set of heads to the machine shop off my motor once and the guy told me all that shiny paint would be gone after it comes out of the hot tank, when I picked them up he asked me what I used to paint them with because almost all the paint was still there.
 
I've never used primer on a engine or even looked for a high temp primer.
 
I've always used primer. Plastikote engine primer and Plastikote 232 Chrysler Blue. You can order through Carquest if they don't stock it. My local Carquest has a mopar guy and they stock it there.
 
I stopped using spray cans on engines a long time ago. I use a self etch primer and single stage enamel or urathane with the spray gun. Great coverage, ultimate shine and great durability. I have built numerous cars this way and have won many best engine awards at shows.
 
340john said:
I stopped using spray cans on engines a long time ago. I use a self etch primer and single stage enamel or urathane with the spray gun. Great coverage, ultimate shine and great durability. I have built numerous cars this way and have won many best engine awards at shows.
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Yup, that's how I painted mine.
 
I mostly prime and then paint my engines with high temperature paints & primers. I feel that since the engine is out I might as well go the extra mile and coat it with hi-temp primer so when you shoot the paint it has something to stick to.


has anyone tried Spraymax 2k clear coat on their engines? is it heat resistant? I heard it was the best clear coat in a can and it gives you a nice gloss.
 
After all the bad luck I've had with clear coating anything on an engine I would be leery. According to the Spraymax website it is "Also suitable at higher ambient temperatures." To me that indicates it is not suitable for higher direct heat. After all the cleaning, prep, and painting an engine and then putting it back in the car I'd hate to see it turn yellow. Just my opinion.
 
I've found better adhesion with a primer than not, especially on aluminum.
 
txtopcat said:
After all the bad luck I've had with clear coating anything on an engine I would be leery. According to the Spraymax website it is "Also suitable at higher ambient temperatures." To me that indicates it is not suitable for higher direct heat. After all the cleaning, prep, and painting an engine and then putting it back in the car I'd hate to see it turn yellow. Just my opinion.
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Read the same thing and my thoughts exactly. I thought High ambient heat would be at least like a 500 degree temperature clear but guessing it not. I wanted a gloss shine finish but i guess I going with prime and paint. it will still look good either way. thanks
 
I want to re paint this engine before I put it in, the Chrysler red is shabby looking. Engine has only run on a stand. How should I prep the existing paint? Scotch brite, acetone, tack cloth then spray it? Can I use adhesion promoter? Is there a hi temp adhesion promoter?
Thanks!
Jim
 

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guess it all depend how good you want it to look and how long you want it to last. either way make sure its super clean...

i use epoxy primer then a high solids urethane.. :)


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