What paint to use for engine parts?
 

I was going to have my engine shroud, fan blades and upper valve covers powder coated but I think I'll take the cheap way out. Can I use spray paint to accomplish the same look? If so, what rattle can paint can I use? Thanks.

I think our host sells the correct paint...or at least it's close. Search for Wurth paint.

Another alternative: Dupli-color engine paint. I've never had a crack or peeling with it.

I've used a couple of different types of engine paint all with good success. The key is good prep work. This engine was done with Cummings Beige (from a commercial cummins diesel truck). I did the lettering with duplicolor paint in a bottle with a small brush - it's just touchup paint.

angela



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1231166926.jpg

I like the Eastwood paints, tons of colors and a high solids content for a good price.

Be very particular WHAT you paint. Many parts of a 911 engine weren’t designed to be painted.

That said, even the inside of the valve covers are best left unpainted. In about ’71, Porsche decided to paint the magnesium valve covers. Sure enough the insides flaked paint into the oil system. While it is good practice to paint the surfaces exposed to the elements, it is best to leave the internal engine parts bare metal.

I also have issue with painted fan blades. I think these are best bare metal with some slight corrosion protection. When an engine is turning 7000 rpm, the fan can be at 12,700 rpm and sometimes more. Balance and integrity are critical. MM red not withstanding, bare metal with a thin clear coat lets this terrific Factory part perform its purpose – move air.

One of the ‘beauty’ of out 911 engines is they are plain & simple. The ‘art’ is as Buckminster Fuller said “Form follows function.”

So no one ever mis-construes this thread – there are parts that should never have coatings (like any paint) applied. Those include the crankcase, cylinders, heads and more. Those should be clean bare metal. I have seen engines with painted cases, cylinders and heads – after they blew up!

Best,
Grady

Great advice as always Grady. Thanks. I wasn't planning on painting the underside of the valve covers but I think the fan blades need some color.