When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’m rebuilding my 351w. I don’t really want to paint my engine block but I know it prevents rust. Anyone have a strong opinion/knowledge if it is mandatory to paint or I don’t need to worry about it?
The cast parts of the engine - block, heads & so on will survive (albeit pretty ugly), but the sheet metal parts - rocker covers, oil pan, air cleaner etc will rot through if left unpainted......faster or slower depending on climate & location.
I paint them when all together.
Wash the motor off with oil & grease remover before painting.
I use normal engine paint in the color I want and paint it in light coats till covered.
Some say you got to prime it first and others say in 2k primer over normal primer.
I dont prime because the more coats of primer and then paint can make it flake off over time when heating and cooling.
Just light coats I doing have that problem but I can tell you carb / brake clean will wash the paint off when cleaning oil when looking for oil leak
Dave ----
I always paint my engines before putting them back to help with all that has been mentioned. It only takes a few minutes to do and shows some pride in your work
But Why wouldn't you want to paint it??? You like the look of rust? it takes less than $20 worth of paint, and very little effort.
You can paint it any color.
As others have said, make sure it's completely degreased and dry before painting.
The first motor in my drag car was bright yellow.
When I had to build another I went with the factory color for a 70 AMC
My street AMC motor started like this
A good cleaning and factory color looks like this
Set in place what one would you want to see when you pop the hood?
Dave ----
Since we're doing show and tell. DupliColor engine enamel. Primer and Ford gray. You can see I painted the pan and valve covers separately. So, yeah, I vote paint it.
This is mine on my 1986 after I pulled it to replace all the gaskets on my 302 and remove all the worn out EFI systems. And replace it with a carb. Hard to see but painted it Ford blue and looks good
