Engine paint

[billglass]

i got a nice engine coming from jetmaniacs. I'm looking to paint flywheel cover and intake manifold and riva red pipe. I plan on using high heat auto paint for the pipe. What's the best paint for flywheel cover and intake manifold? Same stuff? Thanks.

 

[smoofers]

Yep. Just make sure you clean them really well. I have great results by scuffing them up with a scotchbrite pad by hand, then wash thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Rinse them really well and then blow dry with compressed air (if you have it). After painting, let the parts dry for a few hours and then cure them in the oven at 250F for an hour.

 

[billglass]

Can't wait for the wife to see that. Lol

 

[smoofers]

I guess I have my wife trained... It smells a little but doesn't seem to linger in the oven after you've pulled the parts out.

 

[billglass]

Ok I tell her that. Now I have someone to blame. Lol. My bad.

 

[billglass]

I was reading Zinc chromate primer is good.?

 

[smoofers]

Ok I tell her that. Now I have someone to blame. Lol. My bad.

And I stress, let the parts dry for a few hours before putting them in the oven (minimizes the smell). Most engine paints are "self curing" but the paint manufacturer is relying on the engine heat curing the paint. A jetski motor will never get hot enough to really cure the paint to its maximum durability.

 

[billglass]

Good info. Thanks

 

[speedysprocket]

I was reading Zinc chromate primer is good.?

For paints to properly stick to aluminum, the aluminum needs to be etched first. There are primers available that are self etching that you just spray on your bare aluminum, then apply your finish paint.
Zinc chromate is not self etching. From what I've learned the past few months, it is better than a self etching, but probably only really necessary if the part is going to remain submerged for extended periods of time, like the out drive on a boat. The zinc chromate primer required that I thoroughly clean the metal, prep it with an acid wash, then etch it with another acid. This is supposed to create a chemical anodizing on the aluminum. Then, spray the primer and finish paints...

 

[billglass]

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I like to use a self etching primer aircraft paint..

 

[speedysprocket]

I always love the self etching stuff Sherwin Williams sells. I paint my nozzles with that and nothing over it and it lasts forever! But it's like $18 a can and you have to go to the automotive Sherwin Williams to get it.

 

[billglass]

Sounds really tough. I have never heard of a automotive sherman williams

 

[speedysprocket]

Sounds really tough. I have never heard of a automotive sherman williams

Not nearly as common as the building type paint ones, but they're out there.