Topic: Painting engine questions

[SKOL]

I have a few questions when it comes to painting my engine. I'm going to leave the covers polished, just re-paint the motor a nice silver. The engine is complete torn apart at the momemnt. Should I repaint piece by piece, i.e., tape off the bottom case and paint it, tape off the top and paint it, etc. or just clean everything, soda blast it, and wait until it is all assembled and just tape off the covers? What do you guys think? Anyone had good success either way? Also I've heard mixed reviews about VHT, anyone have any other tried and tested engine paint they use religiously? Thanks

[Stev-o]

I've used VHT with good results.  Recently painted my fully assembled K3 motor, and would suggest that to prevent paint damage during assembly, but can do either way.

[70CB750]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

[NobleHops]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

Agree with all - I've had great success with VHT, but you MUST bake it for durability. If however you don't want to worry about it, send it to me and I'll vapor blast it :-)

[NobleHops]

Here's an excellent how-to on the engine painting process:

http://www.cbxclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=27

[flybox1]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

+1
Paint and bake individually.
Its all in the prep, for rattle can paint to last.  blast, pressure wash, acetone wipe down.

[NobleHops]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

+1
Paint and bake individually.
Its all in the prep, for rattle can paint to last.  blast, pressure wash, acetone wipe down.

I've done this set of steps, worked great, but some kind of phosphoric acid etch (alodine, alumaprep) is a skosh better yet. Wear gloves while cleaning, keep your grubby fingerprints off of the parts. :-)

[przjohn]

Another vote for painting by pieces and baking. I have had great luck with VHT paint color "Universal Aluminum" Baking is a very important step and should not be omitted.

[SKOL]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

+1
Paint and bake individually.
Its all in the prep, for rattle can paint to last.  blast, pressure wash, acetone wipe down.

I've done this set of steps, worked great, but some kind of phosphoric acid etch (alodine, alumaprep) is a skosh better yet. Wear gloves while cleaning, keep your grubby fingerprints off of the parts. :-)

After blasting, pressure washing, and acetone wipe down. When it comes to getting to cases ready for primer, should I use a soft scotchbrite pad with alodine or alumaprep to etch the cases slightly, or just rub it on? I know I want to make the surface slightly rough for the primer to adhere to nicely.

[gtmdriver]

I used POR15 engine enamel on my Moto Guzzi cases.

I painted it almost fully assembled.



Brushing the paint left streaks so I thinned it with White Spirit and sprayed it. No baking needed.

It has been on for 8 years now and is definitely petrol proof.

[Ilja]

Just be carefull baking the cylinders. Did it once and all the sleeves came out under the weight of the cylinders during baking. Thats a hone job after reinstalling.
You can also bake it by driving... but I think the paint will be slightly less though.

[flybox1]

It was done both ways, I prefer to paint it a piece at a time - you can bake the part to harden the paint.

+1
Paint and bake individually.
Its all in the prep, for rattle can paint to last.  blast, pressure wash, acetone wipe down.

I've done this set of steps, worked great, but some kind of phosphoric acid etch (alodine, alumaprep) is a skosh better yet. Wear gloves while cleaning, keep your grubby fingerprints off of the parts. :-)

After blasting, pressure washing, and acetone wipe down. When it comes to getting to cases ready for primer, should I use a soft scotchbrite pad with alodine or alumaprep to etch the cases slightly, or just rub it on? I know I want to make the surface slightly rough for the primer to adhere to nicely.

your blasting will give the surface enough texture to hold paint.  I skipped etching and priming..
I used about a dozen rags and 2 qts of acetone to do my whole engine. 
Wiped till all surfaces came clean, then went right to paint.  Baked 30 min @ 250

[Rocky2010]

Im at the stage of stripping my engine I think I will get it Hydroblasted and leave it with that finish rather than paint the engine with silver paint.

[NobleHops]

Im at the stage of stripping my engine I think I will get it Hydroblasted and leave it with that finish rather than paint the engine with silver paint.

Send you a PM, but in Australia, (Sydney) you should consider Dave Mac - he is excellent at this work and just a great guy.

vapourblasting@yahoo.com.au

[koendd]

Just be carefull baking the cylinders. Did it once and all the sleeves came out under the weight of the cylinders during baking. Thats a hone job after reinstalling.
You can also bake it by driving... but I think the paint will be slightly less though.

you can, but I've had a carb leaking (just forgot to thighten a drain screw on my K2) and dripped overnight on my newly painted engine...

I could peal the paint of. 

Luckily you can repaint it and you won't notice it afterwards. Blends in perfect with allready painted area's...

[NobleHops]

Did you bake this engine? I've spilled gas on mine and no problem.

[koendd]

nope,

engine ran perfect, just didn't look good...
Couldn't tear it apart just to paint it.

It'll bake while riding, just have to be carefull not to spill gas etc before you can ride a for a while..

[adamrdiamond]

Did you cover all the screws and bolts before painting or pull them all of?

[rocs]

Did you cover all the screws and bolts before painting or pull them all of?

I think i may leave my screws on and paint. Once cured i may take them off and polish them.

[koendd]

yep, don't take them off till after paint.
Just remove and replace/polisch them one by one after the engine is dry