Engine Cleaning and Painting

63BlueMGB · March 11, 2013, 06:39:25 PM

Hello all!

Need some advice while this seems like a simple question this part of my build gives me some concern. I am regasketing my 302, I am not removing any pistons or anything like that, keeping it a short block and replacing all other gaskets and the timing chain. I have read multiple threads about engine cleaning and they all say the same thing (simple green or engine cleaner and a nylon brush until all the junk is gone). Where my concern lies is that I did that to my rear end that I put underneath the car and while fitting the suspension it has flaked off and now looks like crap and believe me i spent quite of bit of time cleaning it and I do not want to make the same mistake with the enigne. I am also concerned that I am leaving it a short block and do not want to take the risk of getting some engine cleaner between the pistons and on the crankshaft. I plan on masking and taping very well but it still has me concerned because this engine is a mess. it has alot of oil all around it (the reason why I am regasketing everything.)
Thanks in advance for any help or advice that is offered!

flitner · March 11, 2013, 09:46:09 PM

Non chlorinated brake cleaner and an air blower does the trick best for me.

63BlueMGB · March 11, 2013, 10:31:01 PM

-- moved topic --

britcars · March 11, 2013, 11:17:26 PM

I know that you won't be welding on your engine but everyone should be aware of the possible dangers when using brake cleaner for certain things.

http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

smelfi · March 12, 2013, 08:55:12 AM

When I cleaned my 302 block I left the old oil pan and timing cover on since I was going to relace them anyway. I used putty knives, gasket scrapers, screwdrivers, etc, to remove the somewhat thick gunk and then used brake cleaner, wire brushes and rags to get the rest off. I did the same with the front cross memeber and my ford 8.8 rear end. All have had paint on them for a couple of years now and no flaking or chipping so far.

flitner · March 12, 2013, 05:47:41 PM

Non chlorinated stuff won't make phosgene gas when welding around it, however they are flammable, safety is best practice in both cases.

ex-tyke · March 13, 2013, 09:18:13 AM

I'm surprised - that stuff seems to flash off really quickly.

HealeyRick · March 13, 2013, 11:34:36 AM

I had good luck with the POR-15 engine painting kit which includes cleaner, prep and paint: http://www.por15.com/ENGINE-PAINTING-KIT/productinfo/EPKA/

BlownMGB-V8 · March 13, 2013, 11:46:57 AM

Happily, paint will stick to just about anything, even grease... for awhile. Epoxy primer is even more aggressive, where a solvent based paint can absorb a small bit of oil, some more than others. But leaching as much oil out of the pores as is possible can only help.

Jim

rsdgeorge · March 24, 2013, 08:56:34 AM

All cleaners will leave some kind of residue. Years ago I cleaned the the block, heads and intake of a Chrysler 340 motor I had in a Duster. After cleaning I used a spray gun and wet down everything with laquer thinner then blew dry. I painted everything with VHT engine paint and five years later it looked freshly painted.