Engine painting

[little doc]

Does anyone have a regular schedule for painting inboard engines? Does it even need to be done? I have seen people adamant about their stance at both ends of the spectrum ( never unless the engine is rebuilt, and keep at it regularly).

Thanks,
Scott.

[Reelentless]

I touch my paint up every year. Then I treat the engines with Corrosion X. At 15 grand a piece for the engines, a can of paint is cheap.

I'd be interested to hear a good reason NOT to do it. Just let them rust away?

[Silver Eagle]

I am having a engine replaced as we speak, the engine was three years old, I have keep it as clean and dry as possible considering the enviorment, during the replacing stage and after it was out I was shocked at the extent of the damage, oil lines and pan almost rusted in two, after looking at the engine closely on the floor I could tell it had never been properly painted or undercoated. I supplied the warrenty people with 200 + dollars of primer and paint, hardner etc.....But even with that I will have to touch it up on a yearly basics, I was shocked at the way the replacement long block came in No Paint No Primer bare not good for a SALT enviorment. I hope to get a little more than three years out of the replacement engine....Ray

[Pilar]

This is always easiest during repower. Make sure to get the pocket at the back of the engine underneath the flywheel. You just can't get that spot without removing the engine from the boat.

The engine comes back bare metal because they tank it before machining. Once it is built all you have to do is completely strip all the oil off the outside surfaces with a solvent and dry it with an air hose. Then apply paint.

All the sheetmetal is important too. The tank on the power steering pump, engine pan, pulleys and timing cover are pretty thin and will rust out quickly if not painted.

If you think this is not important price a new marine oil pan



Paint is pretty cheap, even the good stuff. Touch up is an annual for me.

[Goldrush]

I had Tom Curry shoot mine with Emron before I installed them, and I repaint them yearly so they glisten white. There are some sections on the bottom of the pans that I can't get as well as the bottom of the gears. I want to be able to see any seepage of any fluid. My engine is gelcoated white too so everything is visible.

It just makes me feel better too.

[Bluefinn]

Most marine engines are very easy to remove.A good winter project is to pull the engine and repaint it complete.Good time to clean the bilge and find that socket that you dropped last year.

[little doc]

Who do you all recommend for engine painting in the Portland area? It appears I have a maintenance item that needs attention.

Thanks for all the advice.

Scott.

[alaskan]

How about powder coat. I would think the oil pan would be easiest and best, especially when you have the motor out for a repower.

The longblock would be a little harder but the right shop could do it.