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Engine paint advice please.

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David_N:
Question for those who have painted their engine.

I've pulled the motor out of my 550 k4 to clean and paint it.

I've ordered Simonize VHT31D engine enamel.

In some places the 48 year old paint has flaked off.

Does it need an etch primer or undercoat or both?

Should I strip all the old paint off back to bare metal or rub it down & blend in where is flaked off?

Thanks.

Rayzerman:
You don't want any flaky or chipped paint... so, normal prep for paint, clean, sanded, etc.  I rinsed it down after with isopropanol/water ~50-60% mix.  Air dry with compressor.

I did not use a primer, don't want too many coats on an air-cooled engine.... two light coats of Honda Cloud Silver (Duplicolor DE1615 is the equivalent).  Let sit a week to let solvents migrate out, then start the engine to "bake" it a bit.

DomP:
I used exactly the same simoniz vht paint.  My engine was really grim and corroded, a wire brushed and sanded until I had no obvious corrosion, washed and painted it then did the 'oven job' on it.  It stinks so make sure you open all windows and after the Sunday roast!

exvalvesetdabbler:
I used spearex VHT enamel. SP127.  Not an exact match but is durable.  I think the brand is owned by Holts now but still under the VHT name

If you have a look in the gallery pictures there are a couple of images of my 400 posted under the same user name.  The top crankcase half is original paint , alternator case, rocker cover and sprocket cover were done in the early 90's with this stuff.

I just degreased with gunk then lots of scrubbing with washing up liquid. Rubbed down wet with 400 wet n dry. Baked them in the oven to draw out any remaining grease,  wipe down with paint thinners and then painted.  Once dry baked them in the oven slowly increasing the temp up to 100.

There is also a new colour called nu-cast but I haven't seen it with my own eyes though.

Regards
Dave

David_N:

--- Quote from: exvalvesetdabbler on December 04, 2025, 09:16:01 AM ---I used spearex VHT enamel. SP127. 
 Once dry baked them in the oven slowly increasing the temp up to 100

--- End quote ---

I don't think I could lift the whole engine into the oven 😊

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