engine paint removal

when I bought my xj650 maxim the engine was painted black, can any one tell me the best way to remove the paint as its starting to flake and the engine is starting to look a bit off.the bike is a 81 maxim, should the engine on this model be black, thanks

 

Amazing I just signed on to ask a similar question...however in my case the Previous Owner decided to try and paint the gas tank without taking it off first and I have some over spray on the engine and some of the chrome pieces. I tried some stuff for removing grafitti but that did not work at all. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

 

I just painted my engine.....I pressure wash the engine with no carbs or pipes on to remove old paint.......duct tape ports - intake & exhaust......painted the cylinder head black.....cylinder head was fine....valve cover was pinstriped for the ribs & YICS logo.....then sprayed black with engine spray paint..... looks great.....like the day I got it

When paint spraying cover other parts of the engine.....all done with engine on bike.....

Hope this helps I will attach pic soon

 

here are some pics

 

another pic..diff angle

 

My Mistake was using Home Depot's Rustoleum Flat Black enamel paint....should have used an engine black paint to withstand heat......if it flakes on me......I will redo in the near future.....

definitely use engine paint from Auto Zone or similiar......

 

You can use "aircraft stripper" but do NOT get it anything you don't want bare (highly recommended to have the engine OUT of the frame to do a proper job.
Don't get it on YOU either. It burns like heck but doesn't leave much of a mark and a quick rinse with water will neutralize it (been there done that)

another preferred way is to blast with walnut shells or baking soda or similar.

Regardless it's a messy job and you'll need to take stuff apart to do a proper job.

 

Designer_Mike...I agree with you on the teardown to do it properly & professionally......but most will not tear off the head just to do the cylinder block.......alot of time & effort to do that.......

Valve cover different story...easy to tear off & paint correctly.....

just my thoughts.....

 

five of a kind, you sure did a NICE job on your engine :wink: !!!

skillet

 

It was quick & dirty.....hope it holds.....if not......I will do the same way.....but use engine paint from auto store......lol......

I have a feeling the Rustoleum will not hold up to the heat.....

Best way...is powder coating.......hand down.....

 

Did you just "luck out" with your rubber manifold boots, or was it magic 8O ? From what I've read, you're pretty much leaning into a right cross trying to remove them :lol: ...

skillet

 

No problem getting rubber manifold boots off......this bike onlys has 17k on it... I am the original owner......bought in Colorado in '82.....great place to ride......here in San Diego....the high country outside of San Diego is the place to ride.......It is scary on eight lane freeways.......if you go down.....forget about it.......I have not ridden this bike in years....

 

Fiveofakind, I've used PJ1 Case Black with great results and a factory appearance. It's rated to 500F and stands up to the elements just fine. Powder coating is neat stuff I'll agree but it is not the magic bullet it seems. I just had a set of 82 650 forks done and the finish (in gloss silver) is not that hot. I'm thinking I'd rather have to touch up a nick or ding with paint than have to have the whole fork tube reflowed. The up side is chemical resistance, gotta love that. Your engine looks great by the way.

 

WOW, how a simple question brought out advice and hidden talent that are on this forum. In the winter I now have a good idea how to proceed, with goals set by you boys, thank you all very much for the help and advice