Black Engine Paint and Any Advice

[bwringer]

PJ1 Satin Black -- it's not quite as shiny as the original paint, but gloss would be too shiny. The coating is very hard and resilient during assembly, but it gets soft and stinky when hot for a couple of weeks. After several heat cycles, the smell fades, and it gets more durable. The PJ1 has a good "build" -- it's nice and thick and levels well, so it's very good at covering small surface imperfections and tolerating crappy spray can technique.





Here's another engine I rebuilt and painted with PJ1 Satin. Again, surface prep was pretty casual -- I scrubbed everything clean with detergent and water, then used brake cleaner to ensure there were no oily deposits, but I didn't make any effort to remove corrosion. We decided to black out the side covers instead of polishing:

Sadly, this engine's new owner neglected to put oil in it before the first startup...



Probably should have removed the dinged-up Suzuki emblem from the stator cover first:

[bwringer]

The high temperatures used for powder coating would also create a very serious risk of warping aluminum engine parts. I've seen powdercoated valve covers, but I bet engine cases would warp.

[GSexpress]

paint

I used Rustolium BBQ black on my GS1000 20 years ago and it has heald up very well. I also powdercoated the valve cover engine covers and assorted other nuts bolts and parts. I didn't powdercoat the sprocket cover though as they said it would not be good for the sound deadening foam. I painted it with the BBQ black. The picture in my signature is the bike shortly after it was done. I steam cleaned the engine and side cases and cleaned it with carb cleaner and let it dry. It was totally disassembled as I also put a yosh 1085cc kit in it at the same time.

[GS750]

I searched the forum and did not find what I was looking for. I am sure it is out there, but it is easier to ask. What black engine paint do you recommend for engine painting? I prefer it in a can, but that may change with suggestions. For example, the engine is out of the bike and in an engine stand. Should I just have someone media blast it and have it done right or can I get it to look great with cleaning, sanding etc. myself and some good engine paint. What are your thoughts from those that have been through this?

Thanks

I dont recommended BLACK engine paint full stop.

It shows grotty dirt and is VERY hard to keep clean! Trust me, Ive been down that route too many times.

Engine paints I use are K&H, much better than VHT but VHT are the 2nd choice.

I recently repainted my GS barrels and head in a silver which is almost identical to the original engine finish.

Looks great!