Topic: Engine repaint

[justwilliams]

Finally making some progress on my CB550 rebuild (don't buy a house in the middle of the process: when you have time you'll have no money and vice versa) and I am at the stage of rebuilding the engine into a better looking crankcase. Before I do I would like to repaint everything (the paint on it is flaking off). Any advice on preparation and materials, such as whether it is feasible to do the spraying myself? I am in the UK if that makes a difference to which products to use. I'm not bothered about absolute authenticity but I would like a reasonably tidy job.



The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad.
Weed Republic

[jaytee-nz]

As with any paint job, preparation is the key. You need to remove all loose / flaky paint firstly either by sanding or blasting. Once this is done sand again with about a 240 grit paper to smooth things off especially along any edges where there is remaining paint so that the edge is removed (i.e. smooth).
Spraying is easy as long as you follow the paint manufacturers instructions.
I've used Duplicolor engine paint successfully while others have used VHT etc. The advantage of Duplicolor is that you don't need to bake it afterwards.
Do a search on this site as there are plenty of posts on the topic.

[Steve F]

I had my engine plastic media blasted.  It's not abrasive!  The media is tiny shards of hard, thin plastic with triangular and other shapes.  The media has pointed edges and gets into every crevice when done right.  I had a professional do the job, it's rather specialized in technique.  I had to do some prep work in sealing off the engine openings and things like the intake and exhaust ports.  Leave the points and starter cover in place since the media won't hurt them, and leave the plugs in too.  Cover the output shaft and seal with duct tape, several layers.  The valve cover tach output hole needs to be plugged with something too. 
Like was said, the prep is the biggest part of the job.... degreasing the engine will be appreciated by the guy doing the blasting. 

JUST NEVER USE SAND OR GLASS BEAD MEDIA....QUICK WAY TO DESTROY THINGS.

[Peekster]

the engine can carfully be sand blasted and i highly recommend cearkote, it is very durable and has a beautiful finish. og you have the engine torn apart you can powder coat it, by far the most durable .

here are some pictures of mine, i didn't even disassemble the whole thing.