The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Painting an Engine

I've been reading all about the work from sandblasting and engine, but what is the best way to strip (or clean) an engine to paint it? This winter I would really like to replace all the gaskets on my 235 and clean/strip the block and paint it. What should I be aware of before starting this? I don't plan on replacing rings or the head gasket, but the manifold gaskets need replacing, the carb needs rebuilding, and while I have things off I plan on painting all of it (except for the carb... unless that can be painted too?). Any tips and suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreciated! Also, I plan on keeping the engine in the truck because of space limitations and a lack of an engine stand for now

I have used brake cleaner and a solvent brush to clean off the crud.Make sure the engine block is warmed up some before you paint it so the paint sticks better.
I use pieces of newspaper and cardboard to block the overspray where needed.

Mask it off and use wire brushes of a few varieties to get in the nooks an crannies, paint stripper, lacquer thinner, brake cleaner, and patience. Acetone will dry it all out when you're done.

Mask it off again and paint away.

Sure you can paint your carb. Why not? There's a gold/bronze color that rebuilders use that looks good.

What about using a pressure washer? As long as all the holes are covered, why couldn't you pressure wash it?

Just asking, 'cause I have two engines to clean also.

Thanks,
John

You can pressure wash engines. But - if using just water - you will not get the engine clean enough to paint. The water will not dissolve some of the grease and crud and as a result you'll end up with a film of crap on the motor. Paint over this and the paint will just peel off. Works great for the daily driver though. Make SURE you cover all holes and anything you don't want wet.

Using the pressure washer to strip and then follow up with the cleaners and techniques mentioned above and you should be good to go.

When I stripped the El Camino motor it wasn't really really dirty but we put some cleaner in an old spray gun - hooked it up and fired away. This worked very well as we could adjust pressure and flow. When done we hand cleaned with acetone and then scuffed the motor with a red scotch brite pad.

- Ryan

Good gouge, thanks!

Next dumb question -- how do I get the engine warm? Your answers seem to assume the engine is still in the truck. Mine is on the stand.

I guess I'm washing a cold engine? I have a pressure washer, or should I rent a steam cleaner?

Thanks,
John

Do you have a hose connection that taps into hot water ? Hook the hot water to the pressure washer if you can...

Now if you steam clean an entire truck with that help remove the paint or just clean it really well? I'm looking for a way to also strip the body down to bare metal without too much effort... I'm willing to put in the effort and time, but I have a feeling there's an easy way to do it I've been using a 3M rubber pad and paint stripper and it works very well, it's just a little time consuming. All the glass is still in the truck, and I don't really have the best setup/space to sandblast (plus I hear that can warp body panels). Any thoughts?

Plug all the holes you don't want stuff in, Apply Oven Cleaner, Let sit over night, Hit it with the hose. Scrub with a scrub brush, Dry off with compressed air.
[img]http://www.chevygmcofkc.org/Gallery/data/3021/1DCP_1413s.jpg[/img]

Hit any rusty spots with the wire wheel, and a hand held wire brush.
[img]http://www.chevygmcofkc.org/Gallery/data/3021/1DCP_1446s.jpg[/img]

Paint..
[img]http://www.chevygmcofkc.org/Gallery/data/3021/1DCP_1472s.jpg[/img]

MONGO

They make some good water base cleaner the trick is WAIT FOR IT TO WORK !!! THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE POR15 HAVE A REAL GOOD CLEANER CALLED MARINE CLEAN, DONT GET IT ON YOUR HANDS IT WILL TAKE THE OIL OUT OF YOUR SKIN. I USE IT BEFORE PAINTING ANYTHING SPRAY ON SCRUB HOSE OFF PAINT