Painting engines

[colhel]

Cosmetically my engine looks tired but unless I remove it access is difficult. I can access some of it with a wire brush but is there a chemical rust remover/convertor and what paint to use?

 

[Greg2]

If it is a Volvo they do their own or you can get something from other companies such as this.

When we did a bit of a refurb on a pair of KAD42s we used a primer on areas that had been badly rusted and then genuine VP paint using a spray but we had the benefit of having removed the engines from the boat. If memory serves we used some kind of rust remover as well as wire brushes on a drill.

 

[Bran]

Vactan is a really good rust converter, available from eBay or Amazon, only use it on rusty surfaces.
I used used acrylic enamel paint when painting engines in the past, very hard wearing.

 

[Sumara of Weymouth]

I used a fantastic German paint called Bratho Kurrox 3 in 1 when I painted my old Kubota. I described the process here. I hope it helps.

 

[oldgit]

Worth considering if the engine is in situ..
Tin of brushing enamel will ensure the paint gets into the nooks and crannies that a spray can never ever reach, especially if the can is inverted...
.........and the paint goes onto the engine not ancillaries, wiring looms and the boat in general , no matter how well you mask off .
As for how VP can charge £30 for a can of paint that an aftermarket company will charge around £10.00 ?

 

[colhel]

Thanks all. Some nice examples and tips . Cheers

 

[Elessar]

Cosmetically my engine looks tired but unless I remove it access is difficult. I can access some of it with a wire brush but is there a chemical rust remover/convertor and what paint to use?

I went to a car paint factor with a small bit of engine and they matched the colour. I bought a two pack etch paint which goes direct to metal. Derust with needle gun and paint or preferably spray on. Probably not good to breath it in.

It magically turns black parts such as starter motors and alternators (or in my case a gearbox) into Volvo ones, doubling their value. On that basis the paint is free!!

 

[superheat6k]

Getting the engine degreased and free of loose corrosion products is essential, otherwise the re-paint could look worse than what you are covering. Lots of gunk initially, then a steam cleaner and final clean off with a strong detergent solution, for which I would use a supermarket detergent. Try to minimise soaking of electrical parts including especially the alternator. Plug the air inlets.

A small portable air compressor will get loose crap and excess moisture out of hard to get to areas. Avoid letting paint saturate service parts such as the narrow gaps around the Injectors. A small brush and patience is key to a decent finish, and remember the end result is in the preparation always.

 

[henryf]

I went to a car paint factor with a small bit of engine and they matched the colour. I bought a two pack etch paint which goes direct to metal. Derust with needle gun and paint or preferably spray on. Probably not good to breath it in.

It magically turns black parts such as starter motors and alternators (or in my case a gearbox) into Volvo ones, doubling their value. On that basis the paint is free!!

Freshly painted engines run better and use less fuel as well….

 

[Elessar]

Getting the engine degreased and free of loose corrosion products is essential, otherwise the re-paint could look worse than what you are covering. Lots of gunk initially, then a steam cleaner and final clean off with a strong detergent solution, for which I would use a supermarket detergent. Try to minimise soaking of electrical parts including especially the alternator. Plug the air inlets.

A small portable air compressor will get loose crap and excess moisture out of hard to get to areas. Avoid letting paint saturate service parts such as the narrow gaps around the Injectors. A small brush and patience is key to a decent finish, and remember the end result is in the preparation always.

Screwfix no nonsense degreaser is my weapon of choice.

 

[codaniel]

Nick’s Automotive Paint Supplies Ltd in Ipswich, IP1 5AP (01473 745253) makes a great touch up bottle for Volvo Penta Green engines, with a lid touch up brush for us yacht people, at a great price and suitable touch up bottle size = A+++

 

[PCUK]

There are also firms that can mix smooth Hammerite using the RAL number.

 

[stelican]

Nick’s Automotive Paint Supplies Ltd in Ipswich, IP1 5AP (01473 745253) makes a great touch up bottle for Volvo Penta Green engines, with a lid touch up brush for us yacht people, at a great price and suitable touch up bottle size = A+++

Good colour match