How to clean engine for paint

[9511234]

I have the engine out on a stand, intake and pan dropped.  The heads are still on.

What's the best way to clean it up for spray painting some color on the block and heads?

I don't want anything too corrosive that might damage seals, obviously don't want to use water or a liquid that could get in the bottom end of the engine.  I had the pan vat cleaned at the engine shop.

If I took it there is there a process there they could use to clean it without taking the heads off or with the block and rotating assembly in place?
Primarily trying to get grease/sludge off the outside.  There's a little bit of rust, but nothing the paint shouldn't be able to handle.
Thanks for the help.

[bake74]

     If it is on a rotating engine stand, I would use a degreaser sparingly, one side at a time with a brush and small wire brushes, rotate the engine so you can clean the down side and keep turning, or put your pan back on, and cover (plastic)the other area's and then clean with a solution so as to get the grease off so your paint will stick.  Are you painting or coating it with something like por-15.

[mach1mustang351]

Degreaser works well.  I also use some brake clean or mineral spirits because they tend to remove the degreaser helping the paint stick.  Blowing everything off with compressed air helps well too.  Keep the engine inside and warm and make sure the paint can is warm.  It tends to flow better out of the can, in my experience.   

[roadrage41]

make sure the engine as a whole is sealed up, mini wire wheels and compressed air, little bit of brake clean and a scotch brite here and there.

[Blazin]

I use all of the above methods, and also Aircraft Paint Stripper. You will need to be careful not to get it on rubber, and your hands. Once the heavy grime is gone with degreasers and a presure washer. the stripper will take off all the old paint. I presure wash the striper off. Then I wire brush, use a mini grinder with scoth brite wheels, and 36 grit wheels. Also use a 3" DA sander to prep it, and a blow gun. For the rusty areas I use Chassis Saver, and the clean metal areas I use a spray bomb self etching primer
( Transtar brand is a good one ). Then paint with a quality top coat.
Few pics of the last one I did.












In the truck.

[bake74]

     Hey blazin, is that cat yellow paint.   

[Blazin]

Why yes, it is. Thanks for noticing!! Meoow!!   

[Bitzer!]

Hi guys, I don't have access to "cack" paint 

Once it's cleaned and etched, would normal 2k paint survive the heat?

I've heard several stories blah blah only use enamals etc?

cheers

[VileZambonie]

http://www.hirschauto.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EE-QUART

[Bitzer!]

  cheers Vile. Next to decide the colour!

[VileZambonie]

What color is the truck?

[Bitzer!]

You mean you haven't been following 

Orange with black roof & black strip down sides.

Thinking orange inner fenders and a black & silver engine?

[VileZambonie]

Wasn't sure that's what you are working on here but yeah black looks nice

[Bitzer!]

It was either black/silver or silver/black. Can't think of many other colours that would compliment the orange!

[Blazin]

Why not black and orange?