Painting my Engine block..?

Question

So, I finally have my block back from the shop, and its sitting in the garage, all naked, and clean.

I want to paint it.

WHats the best way to go about this?

I know im gonna put the pan back on.

Probably masking tape over the cylinders..

but the rest..

should i put on the water pump and timing cover and paint them too?

(Yes, i have high heat paint..1200 degree stuff)

anyways..

Thanks

Apparently some of you that answered didnt read... Its already clean.

We had everything acid dipped

Answer 1

Assemble it and paint the whole darn thing.

You can do the block and head separate, but why bother?

The paint may seal very small spots that would have otherwise leaked oil, according to my How to Rebuild Chevy Small Blocks book.

Answer 2

I'm with Roady on this one...I've always done it with the engine fully assembled as far as what is getting painted...just tape off exhaust ports, intake and any other items or areas that do not get painted, prep the metal well with a degreaser/cleaner and paint a few coats. Some guys like to paint separate items and bolt everything together so that the fasteners stand out which is fine also.

Answer 3

I would have the engine almost completely assembled, head, rocker cover, water pump etc, leave off any aluminum or plated parts, exhaust and inlet manifolds.
Screw in old plugs, mask or grease parts to avoid painting other bits where paint is not desirable.

Answer 4

Clean everything off with brake cleaner first. It will remove all the oily residue and let the paint stick. I usually paint the accessories and water pump seperate so paint will get to all the nooks and crannies. You can always touch them up once you bolt them together.