Can I use regular paint for the motor?

[Mike_eash 59]

I am painting my wheelhorse with rustoleum IH red color

I am to the point where I need to paint the motor. I have searched everywhere for a high heat paint to match and have had colors very close but no exact match. What do the rest of you guys use to paint the motor? Some guys have said they use regular paint and I believe I can on certain areas that don't get so hot. The shields on the motor I believe I can use regular paint and it covers a majority of the motor.

However some parts like the back of the motor has no shield but is noticeable from the side. I am hesitant to use regular paint because I know that will get hot!

Any suggestions??

Thank you

[oliver2-44 9,756]

Might I suggest painting the lower block and tins with regular paint and the fins part of the block with high heat black or silver.  

[rjg854 11,368]

I've painted block and tins with regular paint, with no problems.

[JoeM 7,874]

13 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

I've painted block and tins with regular paint, with no problems

 

I don't really paint the fins just a dusting. I don't think it is good to put a lot of paint on the fins. 

[Ed Kennell 38,182]

4 minutes ago, Joey Small Block said:

 

 

I don't really paint the fins just a dusting. I don't think it is good to put a lot of paint on the fins. 

                                                                Insulating the fins with paint defeats the purpose.

[rjg854 11,368]

I don't either, I should have posted that 

[Ed Kennell 38,182]

We forgive you Randy.     I really like the look of polished aluminum heads and carbs.

[rjg854 11,368]

[WHX?? 48,821]

Don't paint heads either or @Achto will chew yer rear. 

I agree with just dusting the fins tho. Barely noticeable when all the tins are on and any paint will burn off by the exhaust. 

 

Edited August 23, 2023 by WHX??

[kpinnc 12,065]

4 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

Insulating the fins with paint defeats the purpose.

 

I'm sure it doesn't cool as well (marginally), but I've painted all of mine with no failures- in deep south heat. 

 

Here, rust is a much larger concern. No paint, and a garaged bare metal engine will rust like crazy.

 

I use high temp paint on the cooling fins. The rest holds regular paint no problem.

 

Edited August 24, 2023 by kpinnc

[wallfish 17,000]

What could the "R-Value" possibly be of paint? No air space between it and the surface and it's thin as 4e!!.

I get the concept but IMO it won't make 1 iota of difference at all. Paint or no paint it's going to cool the head by the air flow. Maybe .0001 degree difference between paint and no paint?? 

The biggest problem IMO is getting the paint to stick down in those deep grooves and look good but no body is going to see it anyway

Take this opinion with a grain of salt as I've never painted one (or even had the desire to) or compared the differences scientifically (because it's a waste of time) with a thermometer!  But also, I don't believe anyone has ever warped a head or had a problem from it being painted.

So in conclusion, leave the head bare because it's a PITA to paint! LoL

 

[kpinnc 12,065]

15 minutes ago, wallfish said:

Maybe .0001 degree difference between paint and no paint?? 

 

As I've said before, Wheel Horse and everyone else painted cooling fins, and these old Kohlers still run 50-60 years later. 

 

If it makes a difference, it's so small as to not be detectable in a real-world setting. 

[Achto 27,588]

5 hours ago, Mike_eash said:

I am hesitant to use regular paint because I know that will get hot!

Any suggestions??

 

I've painted many engines with regular acrylic or strait enamels. The only discoloration that I have ever experienced is around the exhaust port. 

[squonk 41,125]

Best way I have found to clean/ de- rust cylinder fins is with a needle scaler 

[pacer 3,173]

11 hours ago, Achto said:

regular acrylic or strait enamels. The only discoloration that I have ever experienced is around the exhaust port. 

 

My experience exactly ..... and ----- (this will bring some comments) I sand blast the engine!! Yes, I do- really! 

 

I assemble the main components, leaving off the carb, exhaust, and flywheel, etc, double mask taping anything I dont want paint on and just rattle can the engine. Been doing this for years and as @Achto says just get some discoloring around the exhaust. My main 'yard tractor', a D160 with the K341 has been running this way for some ....10+ yrs? and the paint is still pretty decent.

[Mike_eash 59]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

I did paint the fins and exhaust with that silver color vht flame proof spray paint. The rest of it I will spray with regular paint