Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: TAftonomos on September 08, 2011, 03:47:45 PM

Title: Engine case painting question...
Post by: TAftonomos on September 08, 2011, 03:47:45 PM
Ready to paint (again) the engine cases on my 900SS project.


I'm using the high-temp VHT engine paint.  I was going to use VHT SP-148 primer as recommended, but Summit racing doesn't carry it, and noone around me does either.

I'd like to paint this sucker tonight or tomorrow, so I'm wondering if I can use VHT's flame-proof primer?  I tried calling VHT directly, but of course they are closed now.

I'd sure hate to screw up the 8+ hours of prep I've done, but have the time and motivation to paint it now.

Nate?
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: ducpainter on September 09, 2011, 04:12:12 AM
After reading the online lit...

I wouldn't use the flame-proof primer with the high temp color.

One is ceramic/silicone based and the other is ceramic/acrylic.

That doesn't definitively mean it won't work.
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: TAftonomos on September 09, 2011, 06:03:36 AM
Thanks Nate!  I called VHT tech this AM to try and find a solution.  They confirmed the flame proof primer won't work, but suggested I buy some DE-1612 (Duplicolor engine enamel primer) cause it's the exact same thing.  Summit's got it in stock, so I'm headed down there now.  Hopefully I'll have this sucker hanging in the frame late late tonight !
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: Cloner on September 09, 2011, 07:51:44 AM
Out of curiosity, Taftonomos, what kind of preparatory regimen did you undertake?  I need to refinish a motor and a good starting point would definitely be of use.
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: TAftonomos on September 09, 2011, 01:51:24 PM
Mine was all jacked up.  I degreased it, then tried soda blasting....wasn't working well enough so I then used "aircraft" stripper, washed, soda blasted anything loose.  After letting it dry overnight I used 3 coats of primer.  Switching to color I tried (ford grey....DON'T) it was like a boat motor color.  I ended up using Nu-Cast which is a darker grey, but seems to have a good bit of metallic in it.  I think Stu used the NuCast Aluminum on the 4 valve motor - brighter for sure.  I sure hope it looks good....it's a different shade of grey than the frame, so my fingers are crossed the contrast will be A-OK  [thumbsup]

I painted the side covers in the same black as I did the barrels.  Waiting on gaskets now from CA-cycleworks and I'll button it back up.  In the mean time, I'm thinking of painting the heads RED.  ;D
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: suzyj on September 10, 2011, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: TAftonomos on September 09, 2011, 01:51:24 PMIn the mean time, I'm thinking of painting the heads RED.  ;D

I've heard that's a huge performance enhancement - easily good for 10hp.
Title: Re: Engine case painting question...
Post by: addiction on September 10, 2011, 04:23:51 PM
Some pics would excite us.  [thumbsup]