engine paint

do i need to use a high temperature paint when im painting my engine?and what about primers?

Not really. You can use anything from rattle can paint to something more exotic sprayed from an HVLP gun. Most rattle can paints say they are only rated to 200 F but I've never seen them burn off under normal conditions.

Priming in a color close to the final color will help the paint adhere, and probably result in a quicker job.

Hope this helps,
dave

To be safe, I used engine paint and high temp primer, but it was still in rattle cans because it doesn't really warrant the time involved in setting up the HVLP system. I also found some super high temp paint for the exhaust header, and it seems to be holding up very well.

POR sells engine paint in several colors and can be brushed on (foam brush works best) but it flows out so well , it looks as good as sprayed on.paint.

I use the 2000 degree primer made for fireplaces and wood stoves. Then I use any paint I want over the top. I just tried a new color that so far is my favorite MG reddish engine paint. It's called "Merlot" by Rustoleum. It's a little lighter and a little less purple than the Moss paint. OldBloke and 29desoto saw it yesterday and they liked it too. It's easy to find. Best of luck. Basil 707.762.0974 basiladams@yahoo.com

like the picture

We use regular rattle can paint to do the MG burgundy engine, think about it, do you think the hood or top of dark color car exceeds 200 degree in the hot summer sun, and the answer is yes. I started using 240 degree pop tabs on my engines and the only you will ever pop one is to overheat the engine, and it's real rare to see burned paint on 240 degree pop tabbed engine's block or head.

Long story, short, I use high temp engine paint if I can get it in the color I want, but if not, I'm not losing any sleep over it. I also use primer, because it gives you a more even color coat,and I sue hight temps clears on many of the engines, it all seesm to be holding up very wel, of course the race engine are good test beds for this sort of thing.

I have used the Moss MG paint it matches the original color and does not discolor, so far! It comes in a spray can easy to do.

I bought the burgundy high temp paint from MGOC Spares. Cheap price but so far i am extremely happy with the quality of the finish. Paints straight on to the mainfold. The picture is one I posted earlier of the cylinder head painted with the paint!

I used two coats of the POR engine enamel in black. After six years the block is still porcelain shiny. Seems much less affected by heat than the spray-on offerings.

I think the "something more exotic" that Dave referred to would be most appropriate for Laura.

I use the same system you can use on the car body. PPG Epoxy Primer and Single Stage Urethane. I also media blast everything. Maybe overkill but my engine still looks the same since it was put together in the early 90s. Since I'm in the body bussiness, spraying it isn't a big deal. The prep work takes some time though.

Are you looking to be correct or like your avatar? If correct then you want MG marroon. Although my paint didn't come from MGOC (because paint only 'ships ground') I would surmise that that which I bought from my local MG shop is the same. It's a brush-on and drys very quickly. It requires no preparation other than going on to clean metal. It's a peculiar paint with a peculiar smell and consistency - not like regular paint. If you want 'not correct' see answers above. JMO

The Moss paint is the proper color in the red but antifreeze stains it so you should use a clear coat with it.

thanks everyone.i want to paint it a nice bright red,and finish the water pump,thermostat housing,tappet covers,timing gear cover in silver and top it off with my lovely shiny mirror polished rocker cover.

I like the Moss Olive green for the Midget engines, I love that color, and big Healey met. green, but not a fan of the Moss MG burgundy, it is the right color and all, but it dry time to seem to be measured in days over hours, and I found that conditions have to be perfect or it chemically kicks, at $20+ can, that too much risk for me and I think the Dupli Color Dark Canyon Red is tad better shade, it's became harder to find, But I'm still able to get it O'Reillys auto parts.