Hows it going guys, I just got a b18c1 swap and bought a bunch of vht paint to paint it. The engine is complete, and I wanted to take off most of the external stuff to paint it. I was wondering would it be easy to strip the engine down to a good level to paint? Would there be any gaskets or parts needed afterwards associated with the pcv or anything else Ill have to take off? I know the IM gasket of course

My other question is, what is the best way to prep the block? I know sanding with a light grit right before, but to get all the gunk off for a good base whats a good way to do it? I cannot spray the block down either since it is completely assembled and I dont want to get water in the IM, exhaust ports etc, so what is the best way to clean it before sanding and painting?

Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated since I want to start this hopefully tomorrow, TIA!

 

Anyone?

 

Best way to do that is when it is completely disassebled fresh out of the hot tank. Obviously you're not at that stage, so for the goop, try some brake cleaner, or carb cleaner and a rag. That some's pretty caustic **** and will take just about anything off the block that isn't aluminum. That said, becareful not to get it where you don't want it. After that just make sure it's dry and it should be ready for the coats. Good luck.

Oh, missed the first question... Just use your head on that one. If you took anything off that has a paper or rubber gasket, go ahead and replace it. That can save you a lot of head ache later on, esp since you have a used engine.

 

Cool, thanks alot for the help. I was wondering, though, how do you keep paint off the gasket mating surfaces? Specifically the IM and exhaust manifold.

 

???

 

Since you will be replacing them anyway, could you not just leave the old ones on there, paint over them, and remove them?

Masking tape is probably a better idea.

 

why paint it. that could be time spent tunning!

 

Haha, I decided to paint it because it just looks so dull, and if youve ever seen one painted aluminum, they look so clean!!! I have time ot kill anyways before the motor goes in.