Bought an 89 325is and need help "refreshing" engine and engine bay.

[Martin C.]

Any new items on this thread? I am kindda of interested to know where is the complete re-build going to stop.

[ikkitousen]

any new items on this thread? I am kindda of interested to know where is the complete re-build going to stop.

+1

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damn addictions!!!

[TurboFox93]

new pics?

[wojtek79]

no new pics yet. I have the motor almost ready to go. The project went on hold for a while since other things took precedence. I am hoping to have the motor painted within two weeks or so. I am debating on a color scheme. Silver block/black manifold/black valve with silves stripes or black block and everything else silver with raised black lines on valve cover. I like the second one better. I am trying to keep it simple.'

[wojtek79]

So i was all set to paint the block today. I used a product called naval jelly to loosen up remaining rust, and then simple green (the concentrated stuff) to degrease the block. After that I hosed it off with a garden hose and a soft brush. I then proceeded to dry it with a leaf blower, and afterwards wipe it dry with a lint free rag. The problem I am running into, is that the block turns gold on me before I can hit it with a rag. The yellow stuff is surface rust. The same stuff that shows up on your rotors after washing your car.
I am afraid that if I paint over it with high heat engine enamel, it will eventually peel. Does anyone have suggestions how to get around this?

It was suggested to me to use self-etching primer, but that stuff is only rated up to 200 degrees. I am not sure if that will be good enough as an engine can reach up to 260 or so.
Any suggestions will be much appreciated..

[mcr_driver]

Maybe try powedercoating rather then just straight painting?

[NJGreenBudd]

You should try a metal prep spray and good enamel to paint the motor. I have used POR-15 products before, both their Metal Ready prep and Engine Enamel with good results.

[RLLOVER]

1. Sand the crap out of any surface rust.
2. Wipe the block down with acetone and a good rag. (Something that won't leave a bunch of lint.)
3. Paint a couple light coats about 15 minutes apart.

If you must use water buy some brake clean. You can spray the crap out of the block after using water. It helps displace any left over water and will help keep the surface rust at bay until you can paint. You need to plan on painting within minutes of cleaning.

Good luk

[wojtek79]

1. Sand the crap out of any surface rust.
2. Wipe the block down with acetone and a good rag. (Something that won't leave a bunch of lint.)
3. Paint a couple light coats about 15 minutes apart.

If you must use water buy some brake clean. You can spray the crap out of the block after using water. It helps displace any left over water and will help keep the surface rust at bay until you can paint. You need to plan on painting within minutes of cleaning.

Good luk

I bought a spray bottle for the acetone and plan to spray the engine block with it after rinsing it. The weather will finally cooperate Thursday so Hoping to have some fresh pics up that day. Thanks for the tip.

[wojtek79]

The acetone worked great. I was also able to find some 500 degree primer from plasti-kote. Here are two shots of the progress so far:
Primer:


Final.


At the end I coated the whole thing with a coat of clear. I like it.

[RLLOVER]

Awesome job!

My dad overheated his engine the first time he fired it up. Burnt the paint up too... well it turned all brown anyway. LOL.

Watch those engine temps. VHT says you need to break in their paints. You might want to check with your manufacturer.

Good luck.

[almostM]

Nice job! Did you use plasti-kote for the paint and clear too?

[wojtek79]

Nice job! Did you use plasti-kote for the paint and clear too?

Yep, used their brand for primer, paint and clear.

I took out the carpet today and while the interior was clean, the carpet was wet. I also took off the rear cards and found that on the driver side I had water accumulated just behind the body panel. I drained it by drilling a small hole on the bottom of the car., but now I have to paint it so it does not rust.

[Track89]

Lookin' good, wish i wasn't soo lazy

[wojtek79]

Solved the water issue today. Turns out all of the sunroof drain plugs are clogged. I need to figure out how to open them up.