prepping rusty block for paint

[adk-roadrunner]

Hey guys I just finally got the last of my parts for my 440 from the machine shop including my block and my balanced rotating assembly. I am going to begin assembly but was kinda surprised at the amount of rust on the block I'm guessing it had been a while since the block was hot tanked. My question is what do you guys usually do before laying paint on the engine. I would hate to clean the outside before assembly as I want to avoid getting any contaminates in the engine. Here are some pics of the block.

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

Not sure on newer hot tanks, but, its a degreaser, not a rust inhibitor. Tape off everything, then wire wheel. Then, clean every spot, hole, bore, etc. Get a cleaning kit, use it. Remember, no one cares about your stuff like you do.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

I would assemble the engine before painting. Saves a lot of masking and insures the insides stay clean......................MO

 

[super-bee_ski]

Yup,
Cornpatch has a great idea!
Button "her" up w/ heads, tape distributor hole and install waterpump, tape off manifold (carb hole) and wire brush then prime 9NOT TOO HEAVY on the primer) then paint it.
Light coats, not one heavy coat.
[It is a "little known fact" that when you are painting and you think you MIGHT be starting to reach the correct amount...you already have surpassed it.]

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

Hey guys I just finally got the last of my parts for my 440 from the machine shop including my block and my balanced rotating assembly. I am going to begin assembly but was kinda surprised at the amount of rust on the block I'm guessing it had been a while since the block was hot tanked. My question is what do you guys usually do before laying paint on the engine. I would hate to clean the outside before assembly as I want to avoid getting any contaminates in the engine. Here are some pics of the block. View attachment 126768 View attachment 126769 View attachment 126770

Maybe you should get a new machine shop. Here's what mine looked like when I got it back from machining.

 

[Mr.SpeedFreak]

If it were me, just assemble everything that gets painted, tape off any openings, and use a wire wheel to clean it up. Then a light coverage coat of etching primer, then topcoat. Here are some pictures of the process with mine :icon_thumleft:

Stripped with wire wheels:


Etch-primed:


Topcoated:


Assembled (kinda):

 

[adk-roadrunner]

Unfortunately there aren't many places around here that do machining. I think it built up rust as he had it for 8 months. He is a one man show and is really busy during the winter building engines for dirt track cars. I also know he doesnt bead blast them. I think ill give it a good brushing once its assembled then spray it up. What is the best paint to use.

 

[Mr.SpeedFreak]

I just used a single stage semigloss acrylic enamel, not sure if it would be possible for you but I had mine matched to a friend's factory-matched engine paint. Just gave a local automotive paint shop a sample and they mixed a quart up for me