Engine paint question

[Tom L.]

I'm headed to the auto body supply store in the morning. Dick has told us many times that the correct engine color is PPG MAE 60524. My question is whether a primer should be used and, if so, which one. Thanks.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Engine paint question

All of the following discussion is based on your engine having just been returned from rebuilding in raw cast iron; if the engine is already painted, none of this will matter, because you will already be starting from a condition that prevents you from a completely accurate finish...the best you'll be able to do is make it fresh with another coat of paint, and the old paint can serve as your primer. There really is no way to thoroughly remove the paint from an engine except to hot tank the parts...you could try using paint stripper and wire brushing the heck out of the cast iron; if you're careful, you would get most of it.

The paint store will recommend a primer, but if you want it to look like it was painted by GM, don't use primer...apply your paint directly to the raw engine. If you want it completely accurate, there should be a tubular protector over the water pump nose; study the AIM to estimate how far back it should extend. Timing tab (base and low hp option) and stamp pad were masked or wiped on small blocks. Scuff the stamped steel surfaces with red scotchbrite, then clean the cast surfaces and stamped steel carefully with paper towels and lacquer thinner until you get NO residue when you wipe it down. Blow it down to remove any towel lint, then spray it.

Apply the paint directly to the cast iron and stamped steel. Again, if you want it to look like GM painted the engine, avoid multiple coats...they would have applied one coat in a hurry. The sand cast texture should be very pronounced; the more visible the sand cast texture, the more accurate the appearance.

MAE is actually an Omni branded product sold by PPG...Omni is PPG's value line. MAE is acrylic enamel and requires a hardener...wear breathing equipment, and avoid inhaling the fumes when mixing. The number portion is the color code.

[Tom L.]

Re: Engine paint question

Thanks Chuck.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Engine paint question

I would use the standard MH101 hardener...you don't want high gloss for this job. You'll also need to buy reducer suitable for the local ambient temperature.

Your PPG dealer should supply you with a product data sheet, but you can also find it here (click on TECH INFO, English):

https://buyat.ppg.com/refinishProductCatalog/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=619b37bc-2111-4701-8ee6-4f9674801be7

[Dennis A.]

Re: Engine paint question

Quanta has correct orange paint and easy to use.....