I read an article, in Power Block Magazine, that tells how to chamfer the oil return holes, I've seen this before, and to "paint" the surface of the galley, w/ acrylic emanel paint formulated f/ this purpose, to smooth it's rough surface. My question is: Is this painting a good idea? I'm skeptical as to the paint on the inside of the engine and the chance of it coming off or wearing off and ending up in the oil and inturn in the bearings, etc. Any comments on this idea? Thanks in advance.

 

Yes a you want to chamfer the oil returns holes. Anything you can do to help the oil to return to the pan. People that race have been painting there oil galley for years with high temp paint.

I have seen this paint made for it, but haven't used it. I'm skeptical like you. In a street engine you don't plan on tearing the engine apart every year like a race engine.

You want the engine to last for years so would the paint hold up for lets say the next 15 years. I would doubt it. Would it hurt your engine in the long term I don't know.

All I can tell you is when I build my 455 I don't plan on using the paint.

 

New paint?
Engine buiilders have been using Glyptal red for that for as long as I can remember and I've been around a while.
Eastwood sells it along with lots of other places.

 

No it's not new. I did pull a part an engine about 15 years ago that someone had used that paint and only 1/3 of the paint was still their. Couldn't use the block anyway it was cracked.

 

425 with a bit xtra in the valley

 

I plan to clean up the galley a bit, and clean up the return holes on my 403... Not paint it though... Last thing you need is to cause ANYTHING to contaminate the oil OR flake off and clog the pump or a passage.

 

Jim, I have seen it used successfully before when it is done right.

 

When I did have my face into the "bigger guy's" engines and cars, late '60s and early '70s, I had seen smoothing/slicking/even slight channeling (machining) in that area of the block, but never paint. I was always taught that only lubricants and parts should be roaming around on the inside, a place to keep free of anything else. But because I hadn't seen paint used in this area, doesn't mean it wasn't around. I had to ask about it though, as paint on the "inside" just struck me funny. Thanks f/ all the input.

F/ me, it's chamfering in, paint out.