ToesNose wrote on 02/01/13 at 03:37:36:Does anyone know off hand the average operating temp of our case? Engine paints come in different temperature ratings also, make sure you buy one that is well above the average running temp.
There was a post on here a long time ago that measured case temps with different oils in them. I'm far too lazy to search for it myself, but if you were so inclined you could. I think it measured crankcase temp, cylinder temp, ambient temp, along with what oil was used.
Most heat paints I see are 600 degrees or 1000 degrees (header and BBQ paint) which the crank/cylinder will never see. I'd *guess* (emphasis here that i am guessing) the crank never gets above 250 (overestimating) and the cylinder never gets above 300. Again, those are *guesses* of me just thinking aloud, my point being, that in my own opinion, most header or BBQ paint is going to be overqualified from a heat perspective for the engine.
However, like others have mentioned, the preparation behind the paint job is going to be a big (the biggest?) factor in how your paint keeps up over the years. Enamel (or something that hardens the paint) might help it keep up better to rocks and stuff, but nothing will help the paint stick to oil and dirt left on the engine.