How to Paint an Engine Block

As automobiles get older, it's typical for the engine paint to become brittle and peel off. This is a result of constant heating and cooling of the engine block. If you take the time to clean and repaint your engine, however, it can restore that "like new" look and actually help it to run a little bit cooler. Additionally, a clean looking engine can be a great selling point if at some point you decide to part with your vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8 inch socket wrench with socket set
• Safety goggles
• Hose and water
• Engine degreaser
• Scrub brushes and scrapers
• Water hose
• Paint brushes (1/4 and 1/2 inch)
• Painters paper face mask
• 120, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper
• 2 cans of 1200 degree high heat engine block spray paint
• Paint thinner
• Clean shop towels
• Plastic sheeting that can cover engine electrical components

Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal using the socket wrench. To do this, place the socket wrench over the cable bolt and turn counter clockwise to loosen the cable and slide it off the terminal.

2. Cover all electrical components, wires, etc. with plastic sheeting. You should only leave the engine exposed.

3. Unplug all electrical components from the engine, tie them off out of the way and cover with plastic sheeting.

4. Spray the entire engine with engine degreaser.

5. Scrub the engine thoroughly with the scrub brushes. You need to remove all of the grease (or as much as you can) from the engine because the engine paint will not stick to a greasy or dirty surface.

6. Water down the engine with water to remove all of the engine degreaser.

7. Scrape off all of the loose paint from the engine block with the scraper. Make sure that you scrape really well. Ideally, you should be getting all of the paint off of the block.

8. Water down the engine again to remove any remaining debris.

9. Spray one coat of the 1200 degree high temp paint on the engine block. Make sure you get the best coverage possible by holding the can about 6 inches away and spraying the engine evenly back and forth until all areas are covered. In some instances, this may be difficult since you have to reach down into the engine bay to paint the sides.

10. Spray a second coat of paint over the engine when the first dries.

11. Spray a third coat of paint over the engine when the second coat is fully dried and is no longer tacky.

12. Touch up any spots you may have missed, or that are not fully covered, with the paint brushes. You can spray some of the paint into one of the caps of the spray can and use that to hold the paint.

13. Remove the plastic sheeting, plug in all electrical components and hook the battery back up when everything is dry.

References

• Haynes Automotive Body Repair & Painting; Jay D. Storer, John H. Haynes; Haynes Manuals, Inc. --- 1994