I have seen a lot of motors that have to be spray can painted and I was wondering if you have done this or seen this done on a rotary how does it hold up and what paint was used?

I have only ever seen spray paint burn off so this is why I am asking. Every time I see a picture of a pretty painted engine I think (thats gonna smoke and burn like crazy) but people still seem to do it.

 

if your worried about it burning off just buy high tempt paint, Ive never painted a rotary but Ive painted valve covers on piston engine with normal good quality automotive spray paint and they worked fine.

 

Engine enamel from Checker/Autozone, etc. The plates are easy to paint, just get them good and clean and the paint will adhere well and last a long time. The rotors housings are aluminum so the paint wont stick well unless you prep with the proper primer.

 

i've used Non-high temp with GOOD results, just dont think it's gonna stay clean... always clean/primer/color/clear... the clear usually is what really makes the diffrence in durability.

 

I have used Automotive paint from a professional painter and it has worked well but I have only had bad luck with spray paint burning and discoloring. I know if I clean the motor well it will stick but thats never the issue I have had :p I have used the standard 700 degree stuff and even the ultra high temp 1200 and 1400 degree stuff but thats just a marketing ploy. How hot do u think a header gets? Think it gets 1400 degrees? probably not, think that paint will survive? probably not, even thought it says it can.

I also thought with the hotter Rotary motor it would be even worse then painting valve covers for example. Id imagine a rotor side housing is quite a bit hotter but exactly how much I dunno.

Anyone got pics of their painted motor weeks/ months/ years later?

 

My intake manifold and water pump housing are painted with some high temp engine enamel. They look exactly the same as they did when I first painted them nearly 2 year ago. Pictures are in my album.

Don't try to paint a header. Rotary EGTs can be 1700-2000*F. You can get away with it on a heatshield, but I would not try directly on the header. My turbo heatshield has the same 1200*F rated paint that my manifold has, and it has held up fine.

 

the high temp paints aren't necessary as the engine itself doesn't get that hot. as long as u have a clean, oil free surface, regular engine paints will work just fine.