Repainting the Cylinder Head

[Killbert]

Hello everyone,

My head repaint job on my 81 Spectre 1100 was a disaster. I used the wrong primer and all of the paint began to bubble and burn within 5 minutes. I had to remove the head once again and blast all the paint off. Now I'm totally confused as to what primer I should use on this hopefully final goaround. Here is a link to my project write-up

One person told me to use a self-etching primer used in marine applications. It has a green color to it. Will it handle the heat?

Obviously I can't use that cheap gold paint I found at wal-mart. It simply started burning once the temperature began to climb.

Should I be looking for a single-stage gold paint that Kawasaki used?

Thanks for any advice I can get.

Kellyn

[MFolks]

I'd ask at Motorcycle Paint :: Touch Up, Aerosol & Refinish Paint - ColorRite and www.cyclesurge.com (both are paint suppliers).

[82Kawa1000LTD]

I have painted several engines on bikes 1st forget the primer 2nd forget wal mart paints 3rd go to the local auto parts store and get high temp paint it comes in 500 deg or 1200 deg paint usually the 500 will work fine on the engine and heads if you want the extra protection go with the 1200 deg it is also great for headers but in many time it is avalable in flat colors. I have not had any problems doing it this way and all my customes have been completly happy with the results 1 can should do a entire engine. read the directions on the can

[grumpy56]

High Temp (500 degrees) PJ1 primer and paint seems to be holding up well on my engine.

[Killbert]

OK, excellent. Thanks guys.

[coppertales]

in the past. The heads I have now are plain aluminum. No need to use primer....chris3

[Killbert]

The problem with plain untreated aluminum is how easily it absorbs dirt. That's go good for a bike ridden daily.

Here are the pics:






Dupli-Color Primer
Dupli-Color Low-Gloss Black
Both 500 Degree Capable