Engine paint yellowing

[Guest]

Ok so last year I painted my engine using VHT silver and black paint with a clear coat. Two things happen that I would like to avoid this time around. 1. During me syncing the carbs the top end of the motor yellowed a bit which I think maybe it got too hot since I didn't take as many breaks as I should have. 2. I did have a float stuck and spilled gas on the back end of the engine which screwed the paint up. So I have the engine ready to paint again, but this time I bought the VHT header paint since it has a higher resistance to heat and maybe it can prevent it from yellowing? Is that a correct way of thinking or should I buy actual engine paint because it may be too high to cure? Also, should I avoid a clear coat on it in case that’s what got ate up by the gas and not so much the paint? The can says it's resistant to gas. Thanks

[Fjbj40]

I had the same thing happen several years ago, I painted my 1000 engine with silver PJ1 and it yellowed after 1000 km's.

From my research the header paint is not the way to go. It contains ceramic which will prevent the dissipation of heat, not what you want. I contacted VHT and they said the same thing. They did however say to use the caliper paint instead as it has the fuel and oil resistance that is needed and doesn't contain ceramic.

I am not sure if they have it in the silver you want though. I painted my engine semi gloss black. It has held very well.

I am presently rebuilding a 1983 1100 which I have completely stripped down and refinished with Gun-Kote. It has been a learning curve with this paint but I have finally figured it out and am happy with the result. They do have it in silver. It however requires a total strip and blast for proper adhesion.

As for using the VHT I would not clear coat it. They are all single part air/bake cure and the clear will be no stronger than the base. If fuel is going to lift the paint it will lift the clear. Secondly you are just adding layers which will reduce the heat dissipation.

My opinion and experience,

cheers,
Daryl