Can you paint an ENGINE with tractor paint?

UPDATED WITH PIC'S...Not trying to open this can of worms again. But, I'm wanting to know if you can paint an engine only with tractor paint? I know people paint tractors, engine and all with the stuff, but will it hold up on a mild SBC? I have a couple cans of Valspar International Harvester red that I thought of using up before they go bad.

If it will hold up I may shoot the trans also. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance...

-Ron

 

I had my engine CAT yellow for a long time, it was fine, very tough paint. Engines don't actually get hot enough to bake the paint off, I even painted a buddy's 350 with the same urethane base/clear that we painted the car with, it only flaked off behind the exhaust manifold where its unseen, 3 years later it still looks good. Like anything else you paint, your results will be as good as your prep, so get it really clean and it will work fine.

 

I have painted many a motor with Rustoleum right out of the can with a brush. After it dries the brush marks are gone and it is thick. Also will go on the cast iron with no problem and keep out rust. You will have to let it set for a while to dry because I think it is enamel. Easy to touch up too.

 

That Valspar paint from TSC works good. I have painted a few with it. The over spray is nasty.

 

IH red can never be beat.....it's such a great true red. Tractor paint always seems to hold up better than automotive; but then it's conditioned for it's intended environment.

Take pics when you're done. =O)

 

If it is the paint you buy from International Harvester it is pretty tough and will stand up to about anything you throw at it. But as 440Dave said, a lot of it has to do with the prep you do before painting.

 

I would recommend a paint with a catalyst. It stands up to chemicals better than non catalyst activated paint..My .02 cents worth...

 

It's Valspar brand paint from Tractor supply and I plan on using the hardener. I also will do the prep right but I'm concerned about the heat. I'm thinking I'm gonna go for it though. The red color as stated above is a great red.

 

I'm a bodyman/painter by trade and you cant beat Dupont nason urethane enamel. You can buy it at any auto parts store that carries dupont products and it works great especially when used with the appropriate hardener. (ask the dude behind the counter i cant remember the product #) Prep is key though...While you're at the parts store nap some wax and grease remover and dont be afraid to be generous with it. Also as 440dave mentioned urethane base/clear works too, I actually metalflaked my friends 402 bbc and it looks *****in to this day! Spray on!

 

If you can manage to get that engine hot enough to bake the paint off, you better shut it down and expect a rebuild.

I work with IH tractors daily...........trust me, you'll need something burlier than your SBC.

 

Ha Ha! That's what I'm thinking. I'm gonna get after it as soon as the weather/time permits. I'll post some pic's as well.

 

tractor paint is probably as good of engine paint as you can get,it's stays pliable enough to expand and contract.

 

Great stuff...limited color selection, but great stuff, anyway!

 

<<<< Painted my 300 in the avatar and my 351W in my '51 with Ford Blue Tractor Paint. It has held up very well, and cleans up easily too.

 

Of course you can . The paint does'nt know what it's on ,and it does'nt care !!!

 

If it is another sbc, I say paint it with "muckely dunn".....paint thinner and ****.

LOL,,,just kidding. Tractor paint is some tough stuff.

 

hell yes, durable and purty when done.
no issues with the motor temps screwing it up, if you do have issues, you should be worried with more than just the paint.

 

You are a hot rodder and you already have the paint on hand. Need I say more?

 

Paint is paint ,I use Duplicolor Engine Enamel or VHT .Any thing that a manufacturer recomends for engine paint will be fine .Even if it is spraycan junk .,I use spray cans .but not for bodywork.

 

Absolutely, As others have stated most any paint will work. make sure everything is clean, give it a shot of primer and paint away. My currently motor is Nason which i primed and painted with a brush. parts that could be removed easily like the valve covers, pulleys and brackets were sprayed. the nason has held up very well even on the exhaust crossover on the intake. Just FIY, for years, large yacht engines were painted with imron (spelling ? ).for it's durability

 

Here's an update for those interested. This is Valspar Tractor paint from Tractor Supply. International Harvester Red. Bought it in the quart jar and thinned it 3 to 1 with Acetone. Added one cap full of hardener in the gun mixed it up and shot it.

I did spend some time prepping the engine and degreased it well. I dusted it with etch primer and sprayed the enamel. Even cheap paint jobs require prep to turn out right.

 

I care............nuff said.

=O)

Oh but I'm HIGHLY biased as a dyed in the wool red iron girl...........awesome choice!!