How to paint an (HS40) engine

M

MiataMan

New Member
#1
#1
I'm trying to restore a Tec HS40. Just wondering if I need to lay down a coat of primer on the engine and engine parts I'm painting before spraying it with the final coats of paint? I'm removing the old paint now and it doesn't look like the factory used any primer on it before painting. I can't imagine not priming first.

Do I need to use heat tolerant paint like car engine paint or do these engines stay cool enough to not require it?

Thanks!
 
capguncowboy

capguncowboy

Well-Known Member
#2
#2
When I paint an engine, I prime the steel parts (tins, blower housing, etc). I don't prime the aluminum parts (block, intake manifold, carb). Then I assemble it and hit it with color. It never made sense to me to do it that way, but it holds up well. Just make sure the surface is good and clean before you start spraying.

There is no need to use a high-heat paint unless you're painting the exhaust header. If you are, then use a paint intended for that use. Standard high heat paint won't hold up to exhaust temps. If you're not spraying the header pipe, then I wouldn't worry about it. My Rupp yellowed a little around the manifold connection, but nothing severe, even after a few hours of running.

If you're at all worried about the paint getting gasoline on it, which will ruin standard spray paint, you can clear coat it with 2k urethane, like is offered from Eastwood or the like.
 
chatten63

chatten63

#4
#4
I use an acid etch the tin work. Prime and sand tin work. Assemble motor,put tin work all on and brackets on leaving gas tank and intake an carb off. When that is ready I wipe everything down with a prep cleaner to remove any oil or contaminates then acid etch block let sit for half hour and spray block and tin work. Tape up all holes and output shaft on crank. I use base coat clear coat automotive paint on these.
 
creia

creia

#6
#6
MiataMan said:
Rattle can.
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All three of the "major players" in the rattlecan industry (Rustoleum, Duplicolor, and VHT) offer an engine paint that is temperature rated to 500 degrees and is oil and gas resistant. Notice that I said RESISTANT, not PROOF! (you still have to be careful with spills) They all offer an engine paint primer as well. THAT is the paint and primer you want to use for a rattlecan job. Contrary to the opinions of some others on this forum, you actually CAN get very good results with a spray can, if (and that is a BIG "IF") you prep thoroughly and properly and apply the paint as per manufacturer's specs and allow the required curing time. My son has painted many engines and frames with a spray can. At a couple of mini-bike events we have attended others have actually asked "Where did we get our POWDER COATING done!" (that is how good they look).
Michael
 
David wulf

David wulf

#8
#8
Seems like everyone has explained how to paint , but what about the color of white to use . The rattle can works just fine for a base then hit it with an urethane clear coat . The TEC I just painted was done in duplicolor Dover artic white . The tank that I bought was original color and it matched just about perfect . Then spray it with a 2k clear .
 
creia

creia

#9
#9
David wulf said:
Seems like everyone has explained how to paint , but what about the color of white to use . The rattle can works just fine for a base then hit it with an urethane clear coat . The TEC I just painted was done in duplicolor Dover artic white . The tank that I bought was original color and it matched just about perfect . Then spray it with a 2k clear .
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David,
That is very good information, however, how do you know if the OP is painting it WHITE?
Michael
 
capguncowboy

capguncowboy

Well-Known Member
#10
#10
David wulf said:
Seems like everyone has explained how to paint , but what about the color of white to use . The rattle can works just fine for a base then hit it with an urethane clear coat . The TEC I just painted was done in duplicolor Dover artic white . The tank that I bought was original color and it matched just about perfect . Then spray it with a 2k clear .
Click to expand...
Ha, funny you say that David. I picked up the last 10 cans in my region last week. It's discontinued and they were selling it for $3.50 a can.

The color is the closest thing I've ever seen to the original Tecumseh white. I hit mine with 2k Urethane clearcoat afterwards and it turned out great

 
M

MiataMan

New Member
#11
#11
capguncowboy said:
Ha, funny you say that David. I picked up the last 10 cans in my region last week. It's discontinued and they were selling it for $3.50 a can.

The color is the closest thing I've ever seen to the original Tecumseh white. I hit mine with 2k Urethane clearcoat afterwards and it turned out great

Click to expand...
Wow! Gorgeous!!

I'm actually painting my engine and tank the 1970 Rupp Silver Metalic. If I can't find something very close in a rattle can I'll have to go with a special order mix and do it with my air gun. I prefer the rattle can as I've had really good luck with this kind of painting in the past - especially with the Duplicolor brand since it has the flat spray pattern nozzles which I like.

I see that MB 516 is Spies Heckler color code for the 1970 silver but I'm not getting anywhere finding it.

Any thoughts anyone?

All your help is awesome!!
 
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jeffdubb8

jeffdubb8

#12
#12
Having painted at least 10 Tecumseh engines, I can attest to the Duplicolor DOVER ARTIC WHITE as a VERY close match to the original...Well done guys!! Here are a few...DOVER ARTIC WHITE w/clear coat.

phone camera pics 116.jpg IPHONE PICS ALL 7-24-14 293.JPG TX-4 Dad (3).JPG TX-3 Dad (5).JPG 023.JPG
 
jeffdubb8

jeffdubb8

#15
#15
Thanks...It's a pain, but I find that 'soda blasting' them is the key for me...it can be expensive though...I'll usually do several engines at one time because of it. But the Dupli-Color Dover Artic White is nice....and the Dupli-Color clear coat as well...
 
george3

george3

Active Member
#16
#16
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