Topic: Painting Engine Barrels

[BobbyR]

I am refreshing my 78 750K.  I have looked at pictures of engines painted to various degrees. I don't think I I am ready to go black on my particular ride, but it does look hot on some bikes. I know that paint on the lower end will stick if properly prepped, since they are painted from the factory.  What Aluminum colored paints have you folks used on the engine barrels, and how is the longevity?  I have no problem keeping the covers and valve covers polished, but the barrels are getting to be a real pain in the butt.

[scondon]

Even if you paint them they won't stay shiny for long and bare aluminum is easier to clean than paint in my opinion. That said, fresh paint does look pretty sweet. Try searching "aluminum paint" on this site as more than a few people have posted their experience. Here's a sample-

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=6254.60

[Clutch Cargo]

Check out Andy's site for info on engine paint

http://www.mypages.co.nz/~andyf/Honda2.htm#Crankcase%20paint

I could not find VHT locally (USA) so I used Duplicolor # DH 1606 with good results.

Mike

[ProTeal55]

DupliColor Enamel paint is great for high heat applications (such as a motor) , and comes
in lots of different colors. VHT paint is good as well...

While spraying my pipes black, I got some overspray on the front of the motor, and
has held on great 

[TitaniumRic]

No matter wht yoiur painting....it can turn bad if not prepped propery........I have used VHT and other brands of high heat pait with very good logevity....and as mentioned in other post it will not stay shiny for long....I tend use the Matt finishes  just for the dull look and the polished /chrome bits seem to stand out more and you reall don't notice  the matt black as much.....just my opinin


Cheers
Rick

[scondon]

"I could not find VHT locally (USA) so I used Duplicolor # DH 1606 with good results."

     I found that the major Auto stores(Kragen, Grand Auto, etc..) carry Duplicolor while the Independent/performance stores were more likely to carry VHT. Eastwood is a good online source(USA)

[volz1fsu]

What about powder coating? Anyone with experience with this?

[eurban]

Powder coating if done properly would hold up well.  However it may not be a good idea on the barrels and head as it is typically thicker than a regular paint job and could  inhibit the air cooling a bit. . . . .

[Terry in Australia]

DupliColor Enamel paint is great for high heat applications (such as a motor) , and comes
in lots of different colors. VHT paint is good as well...

While spraying my pipes black, I got some overspray on the front of the motor, and
has held on great

I think the trick is to take the pipes OFF the bike before you paint em mate?

[ProTeal55]

Terry---------->
I am aware I SHOULD of taken the pipes off the bike to paint them, but I didnt feel like it at the
time. I masked off everything and sprayed them on a whim. I am going to end up spraying the rest of
the motor black in the spring, so it all works out....

[volz1fsu]

Terry---------->
I am aware I SHOULD of taken the pipes off the bike to paint them, but I didnt feel like it at the
time. I masked off everything and sprayed them on a whim. I am going to end up spraying the rest of
the motor black in the spring, so it all works out....

LOL, You guys crack me up!!!

[BobbyR]

After what I have read I think I will just take a wire brush to the engine. Thanks guys

[Terry in Australia]

After what I have read I think I will just take a wire brush to the engine. Thanks guys

You're gonna what?

[clarkjh]

After what I have read I think I will just take a wire brush to the engine. Thanks guys

You're gonna what?

I'm with Terry, Brass brush maybe but please not a steal brush.

James

[T140 kidd]

 I've seen powder coated barrels turn green, probably from the heat. Some good Hi heat header
paint ought to stick ok.
 

[BobbyR]

I don't steal the brushes I buy them.  I have never had a problem using a steel brush on Aluminum. Probably because I then jewlers rouge them to a high gloss. On the barrels I think I am going to brush the white crap off and be done with it. It takes a few years till they get nasty again, by then who now if the bike or I will be around. Thanks fellas, lively post.

[n9viw]

The problem with using steel brushes on aluminum is that they scratch the aluminum more- this makes the ally look like absolute donkey nuts when it oxidizes again. Also, the steel brushes leave behind little bits of steel, the oxide of which (rust) is corrosive to aluminum. It can actually CAUSE the white stains you're trying to remove!
Stick with brass bristles, or even composite like 3m or Scotchbrite. Protect the now-denuded aluminum with a heat-resistant clear or a hi-temp silver, which will end up looking like lightly-brushed aluminum anyway.
 

[malcolmgb]

would it not be better to use a paint stripper to remove the paint, I was advised to use 'Nitromors'

[Terry in Australia]

would it not be better to use a paint stripper to remove the paint, I was advised to use 'Nitromors'

If you're gonna paint them again, get 'em beadblasted, apart from making them look like new again, it provides an excellent "key" for the paint to stick to. Cheers, Terry.