Engine Repaint.

[Begyed13]

I have a 1979 Cm400t. i want to repaint the motor without going through the struggle of disassembly.
Does anyone have any experience in this? Best type of paint, cleaning the motor before/ easiest way to protect the paint long term.
Any input will be really appreciated. i looking to paint my engine like this.....

 

[adventurco]

I have used both VHT and Duplicolor. The VHT has been on the road quite a bit and held up well. The engine I did in Duplicolor hasn't been run yet so I can't speak for the durability.

I use glass bead/soda to blast the crap off the engine because I'm too impatient to clean them by hand. If you go by hand, small round wire brushes between the fins and a fine scotch bright should be good prep, just make sure you degrease it good and wipe down with solvent (I use acetone) before painting


Sent from my iPhone using DO THE TON

 

[Begyed13]

Any idea on how much paint i should get for a project of this size?
Ill be cleaning it by hand but have everything else you recommended.
Thanks for you reply.

 

[Kamn]

one can of each colour should be more than sufficient

 

[Sonreir]

Also, the VHT should only be necessary for the cylinder jugs. The valve covers and engine cases won't get hot enough for warrant VHT. You can use regulator enamel for those.

 

[Begyed13]

Nice.
Do either of you have any opinion or experience painting the engine without
dissembling it? I know it will probably be cleaner and easier to work with
disassembled but I lack the knowledge as of now to do this. The motor has been reworked
about a year ago by my buddy so its not like there will be any other benefit for
disassembling it beside the painting and knowledge.

 

[Begyed13]

Sonreir, Is there a reason not to use it if its available or is
there a benefit to using something other than the VHT paint
for the covers?

 

[VonYinzer]

Nice.
Do either of you have any opinion or experience painting the engine without
dissembling it? I know it will probably be cleaner and easier to work with
disassembled but I lack the knowledge as of now to do this. The motor has been reworked
about a year ago by my buddy so its not like there will be any other benefit for
disassembling it beside the painting and knowledge.

It's pretty basic. Keep the pain on the OUTSIDE of the motor. Get yourself some higher end painters tape (not cheap masking tape) from an auto body store. Prep is key. Make sure there is ZERO grease, oil, debris, etc on the surfaces to be painted. If there is already paint on the part you want to re-do you'll want to scuff it up first. Scotch Brite pads work great. The factory usually applied a clear coat to the "bare" aluminum bits as well, so scuff scuff scuff. If you can figure out a way to hang the engine that's the best scenario. That way you can get to everything in one shot. Once you get to the actual painting, follow the directions! Usually they call for a few light coats and then a heavier "finish" coat, but whatever they say... Do it. Take your time, and remember that it's just paint. It can always be fixed up or re-done. Have fun with it man.

 

[Begyed13]

Great comment. Thanks Von. Ill have to figure out a way to hang it.