How to clean engine for paint

[Bitzer!]

I want it to stand out a bit. Thought black/orange would be too bland?

[1979C20]

My engine block, heads, intake, water pump are Chevy Orange, and my valve covers, oil.pan, and bracketry is black. I like it a lot, and I havent seen many engines like it.

[1979C20]

heres a picture of it in the truvk

[Blazin]

Yeah I have never seen a Cat yellow Chevy motor either! Was thinking I might do my next one Cummins biege! 

[Bitzer!]

Yeah I have never seen a Cat yellow Chevy motor either! Was thinking I might do my next one Cummins biege! 

Cummins Beige - like old mens trousers (pants)

[Blazin]

Cummins motors in heavy trucks have come in several colors over the years, biege, red, gray, have even seen a few white ones. I just like the military no nonsense look of the biege color they used.

[Bitzer!]

Just to revive this as I'm nearly finished cleaning!

Etch primer - normal etch for bare metal or is there a different type for heat i.e engine?

Silver and black paint at the ready!!

cheers all

[zieg85]

Just to revive this as I'm nearly finished cleaning!

Etch primer - normal etch for bare metal or is there a different type for heat i.e engine?

Silver and black paint at the ready!!

cheers all

In the industrial applications normal etch primer is "usually" for an air dry/force dry top coats up to about 200 degrees.  When tried under a baking enamel the etch primer breaks down and some/all adhesion to the metal is gone.  I know you are talking about an air dry type paint but the temperatures of the engine is like a baking type paint.  I would check the temperature limits to the etch primer.  I would think a good clean surface is adequate for any high heat engine type paint...  I would hate to see you go through all that work using an etching primer that flakes off after the engine reaches operating temps...

[Bitzer!]

I went for the POR-15 engine enamel, best I check out the label!

cheers dude

[Blazin]

I have used Transtars spray bomb self etch primer on several motors for the bare metal, and had no problems with breakdown. Chassis saver on the rusty ares, and then top coated with engine enamel. No problems what so ever. Matter of fact when i had my truck on the lift over the weekend I used a rag sprayed with brake clean to clean up my oil pan as it was covered in road grime, and a little ATF from the plow pump.