What is the secret to durable engine painting?

[Henrius]

I had my 1965 Fury in the restoration shop for some work. While it was there, the reputable shop painted the valve covers and some sort of paint on the exhaust manifold before putting it back together

After about a year of running it is peeling off in patches.

I guess the only durable coating on manifolds is that ceramic baked-on stuff?

But for rocker covers, can they be powder-coated in an oven? If so, is that the most durable coating? It would be next to impossible to powder coat a whole engine. block. I am so tired of engine paint peeling off.

 

[413]

Get auto paint that needs hardener mixed in. Best finish there is. gas, carb cleaner and degreaser won't dull it.

 

[volaredon]

As for topic title I have an answer.
GOOD QUESTION!!!!

 

[MrMoparCHP]

On a new build I like to paint the block before we do any (internal) cleaning or assembly.
I'll used brake-clean thoroughly on the outside before painting.
I start with light coats in the difficult to see areas and workout out from there, light coats, take your time.

Key is prep, the oil from assembly process is hard to clean out of raw cast iron.

The tin I like to blast the the outside to give the paint something to bite on.

Clean, clean, clean.


Alan

 

[CBODY67]

"Peeling paint", to me, sounds like poor surface prep and cleaning. Not specifically the type of paint used. Although the quality of the paint is a consideration, too.

 

[413]

I like to paint it all at once when everything is assembled. That way there is no rust coming from the gaps at the block to heads and intake, water pump, etc.