What are you guys using to clean and prep the block for paint? Thanks guys!

 

I like to put it on the stand and wash it with warm soapy (laundry detergent) water. Then blast it with high pressure water in every nook and cranny, then blow dry it with compressed air. I apply atf to all machined surfaces with something lint free, my favorite being table napkins. Then I wipe down the surfaces to be painted with thinner or carb cleaner, dry with compressed air, then mask off and paint. Make sure and mask off the pad where the starter bolts on.

 

why do you apply atf to all the machined surfaces?

 

Atf protects them, keeps them from rusting.The cylinder walls of a freshly machined block are particularly succeptible to instant rusting.

 

Yup, ATF works good and if you need to store the block, that STP oil treatment (motor honey) is awesome. I have a block that I motor honey'd and covered with a plastic bag that still looks brand new.

 

This is also a good time to grind off the sharp edges and excess flashing. Makes handling the block much much nicer.

 

I usually pressure was the block and attack it with solvant and a wire brush then paint away. all my blocks i have done like this have been looking good for a long time.

 

BTW, Brake Cleaner is an excellent way to do a final de-greasing before painting.

Or, if you can get it; Pentane. It's not illegal, just uncommon.

Be aware that if you do find a place that sells it, it's a "Flam-4". Gasoline is only a 3. In other words, no smoking, no source of ignition anywhere near you and good ventilation.