Topic: Removing paint.... Don't get it in the cylinders?

[Elniniomuchachos]

I am cleaning my top end, and going to paint the cylinders black. I bought black engine enamel from home depot, along with the strong paint remover.... Should I try best not to get the paint remover in the cylinders?

[Terry in Australia]

It shouldn't worry it mate, just give everything a good wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly before you paint. Are you going to "etch prime" the block first? I'd hate to see that black paint chipping off!

[Elniniomuchachos]

It shouldn't worry it mate, just give everything a good wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly before you paint. Are you going to "etch prime" the block first? I'd hate to see that black paint chipping off!

Which etch primer would you suggest?

[camelman]

I would suggest getting engine paint from your local car store.  I don't know much about that home depot stuff, but I know that the Dupli-Color engine paint goes on very well, settles out any runs, handles the temp perfectly, and gets hard as nails after a heat cycle.  Just make sure you buy the corresponding primer.

Another suggestion: use hemostats with a piece of scrubby wash cloth clamped in the end to really scrub away the stubborn paint in hard to reach areas after applying your paint stripper.  That way you'll get a great finish and good paint adhesion.  The worst thing you can do for your paint job is to leave any specs of old paint on there.

Also, bake your side covers in your over at 250F for about 20 minutes after painting.  Put them on top of wax paper on top of a cooking pan.  Let them cool thoroughly before handling them though, as the paint will be soft after coming out of the oven.  Like I said though, hard as nails after it cools.

Tried, tested, and true method to pure, painted engine, nirvana. 

Camelman

[Terry in Australia]

It shouldn't worry it mate, just give everything a good wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly before you paint. Are you going to "etch prime" the block first? I'd hate to see that black paint chipping off!

Which etch primer would you suggest?

Use a zinc rich etch primer mate, it really sticks to aluminum, unlike a few other types I've used. I use an Aussie brand called "Super Etch" which is fantastic, but I doubt if it's sold in your neck of the woods. Cheers, Terry.