just want some advice on painting my engine. i know i have to use heat resistant stuff, can anyone recommend a make that they have used and the best
way to go about it. cheers
fuz
Hi.
According to the first edition of 'the book' they used household paint. Its supposed to smell a bit and then stop.
Alternatively, your car bursts into flames or it looks brown and manky after a while.
I used black engine paint from Halfords. Dont use the exhaust paint - its like that powder stuff they give you as kids at school to paint with.
The proper halfords engine stuff goes on a treat in 2 coats and is heat proof and I THINK comes in silver and one or two others.
Dont use any kinda hammerite - it melts just above the temperature of chocolate.
ATB
Steve
cheers stephen,
got a halfords shop just near me so i,ll have a trip down, so you just paint it on, it,s not a spray?
Yep. Its a brush paint.
They probably have something of some sorts in a can but I cant recommend that.
cos I didnt use it.
I found a brush got in all those little places (oohh eeerrr) without overspray goind where it ought not.
atb
steve
Been talking to a mate of mine who used to be a panel beater and he said i would be best putting an engine primer on first, did you do this with yours
and is you engine still looking nice and colourful!
cheers
fuz
How do you panel beat an engine?
The stuff i used seems quite nice and sticky, and there was no mention of an undercoat. However, as I had to use two coats to get a nice finish, an
undercoat, if needed, wouldnt have been a deal breaker.
The paint looks great 3 months after, but the car has only been run up to temp in my garage as its not on the road yet. 
atb
steve
I have used the halford engine paint and it seem to be ok. A couple of coats and after 30,000 miles it was still all on and the same colour. Most engine paints i have used have been very good, and you can normally paint a couple of engines with a tin. (unless it a green tractor engine, dont ask.)
cheers guys, very helpful. think i,ll just use the engine paint then. couldn,t be arsed with the primer anyway!!
fuz
What would be suitable to use for cleaning the engine in the first place before painting? I've got Gunk already at home but wasn't sure if that might
leave some sort of residue that'll stop the paint going on ok.
James
I've been told by a pro that WD40 is the best for cleaning an engine. Then to get the WD40 off using some kind of thinners that evapourates quickly, can't remember which one but preferably one that doesn't melt plastic like chlorothene. Used chlorothene to clean brake calipers one time before and was shocked when I saw the rubbers desintegrate before my eyes!
If you can be bothered to deal with post & packing charges, POR15's Marine Clean degreaser/cleaner is very good stuff.
It cleans so well that I prefer not to use it on damp days - you can watch the degreased steel rust before your eyes!
Good stuff tho' and can be washed off easily.
David
quote:
What would be suitable to use for cleaning the engine in the first place before painting? I've got Gunk already at home but wasn't sure if that might leave some sort of residue that'll stop the paint going on ok.
James
I agree
Cheers Guys,
James