Repainting an engine
 

When dad and I built our freshly machined 8BA two years ago I used VHT rattle can primer and engine paint. When we first fired it up we had a gas leak and it lifted some of the paint on the intake and top of the block. I need to touch that up and recoat it. Since then I have been introduced to Bill Hirsch engine enamel and really like that paint and would like to recoat the entire engine in it. My thoughts were to rough up the block with 320 paper and reshoot it. Has anyone shot over VHT rattle can paint with Bill hirsch and had good results?

JB

Re: Repainting an engine
 

I would also think red/maroon scotch brite would help you scuff everywhere and form to some of the shapes. I would want to make sure that it is completely scuffed everywhere. Before you sand, clean with prepsol and the again after you sand right before paint. Oil would be your enemy i would think....

Re: Repainting an engine
 

I would clean the loose paint off first.

Then I would get a good quality foam brush and brush on the paint. You will get better coverage on the cast iron and the Bill Hirsch paint flows nicely so you will not see brush marks and it will look like you sprayed the paint on with a gun. No over spray mess and clean up is easy.

I've done this on many blocks and the latest 1940 engine I built is going in a Dearborn class car. It's beautiful.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

For me brushing on the engine paint works best, it really flows out nice!

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Looks like a bit of porting on that block . . . good for you! I tend to like things like this. LOL

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Yep, early stages of it.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Thanks guys

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Try a spot and see if the paint lifts. You never know with some of the rattle can stuff. I've seen some bubble right up as soon as any solvent hits it. Fuel is also a volatile form of naphtha and it just depends on how long the paint was exposed to it as to how long it took for it to bubble up.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Looks good, great coverage.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Only painted 2 flattys & used Hirsch on both.One brushed & one sprayed,VERY satisfied.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Hint: if there are bolts or ? you want to avoid painting instead of using tape try little pieces of aluminum foil...easier to manage... Chap

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Good stuff guys, thanks.

JB

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Hey JSeery,
I like the paint you did.
What kind of brush did you use?

Tommy

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Just a cheap throw-away brush. It's the paint, it really flows well.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Backorder Bob's (Drake) paint works good too when brushed.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

My Mercury calls for Green or Tangerine.
I would like to try the Tangerine,,,,,I assume it is a Ford paint code?

Tommy

Re: Repainting an engine
 

Eventually any paint will be overcome to the heat cycles. Clean it best you can from paint and oil and apply. Probably last 5-6 yrs or more, or more if you don't drive it.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

As an old sign painter, I would suggest adding a little Penetrol to the paint. Really helps with the "flow" of the paint and it does not "thin" the paint as adding thinner would do.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

The Bill Hirsch paint does not require any thinners, no idea on other paints.

Re: Repainting an engine
 

We are going to pull the engine and repaint it. Scuff it up and such and get it clean for a repaint. Would you use a rattle can primer before the Hirsch paint or shoot it with DP50 ppg epoxy to ensure good bite?

JB