How to clean and paint an engine?

[5.0]

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Never done it... so I'm looking for tips and suggestions on how to clean and paint an engine. I know to wire wheel what I can, but how to I prep the engine for paint so the paint sticks well? Do I use primer? Any help is welcome


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[The Weasel]

I just cleaned it with acetone and then put masking tape in the bolt hole and covered the ports that i didn't want to get paint in then painted it with some duplicolor.

 

[88_Eddie]

i used a wire wheel on a drill and a crap-load of purple power. worked pretty good. as with painting anything, you wanna clean the mess out of it. no dirt specs to fall off after you've painted it. then scuff it up with some steel wool or sandpaper.

i took everything apart when i did mine. taped off what i didnt want painted and even used a sanding pad on my angle grinder to get the desired appearance. here's what i ended up with

 

[v-8power]

You can use Easy off oven cleaner to clean the engine, works pretty good.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I degreased and pressure washed it several times. Painted it the dark Ford blue and cleared it for extra durability. Got that all done and between the front accessory drive, chrome valve covers, aluminum intake and black headers you can barely see any blue with it in the truck.

 

[PetesPonies]

If you truly want the paint to stick and last . . spray everything with epoxy primer, then engine color. This means you need some spray equipement and buying the primer, but it makes a huge difference and paint doesn't flake off later.