How important is medsection paint? *PICS*

[DocTide]

Got a 15HP merc 2 stroke that is at bare aluminum on most of the midsection. I have already taken off the LU sanded, plan to do a vinegar wash, alodine, ZC primer, and phantom black paint. The midsection however seems much more difficult as I would have to remove the head. Having never done that, it seems like more work than I actually feel comfortable with at this point. I use this motor in 75% salt, 25% fresh so I know eventually pitting will occur, but I have never had an engine with this little paint. I guess my options could be to take it somewhere and have it painted (lots of money), or but a used midsection (have seen for $80) and take to a merc dealer to swap it out with all the gaskets etc. (lots of money), or... try and paint it myself with probably poor results? I am not sure what to do. The LU I feel is much easier to prep/paint properly.. I am just kind of at a loss with all of this. I got the engine with 105 PSI at both (cold), spark, cleaned carb, bought new thermostat, fuel line, fuel filter, carb kit, and water impeller. I am in for a total of about $400 right now which is pretty good so I dont mind spending up to what I believe is fair market price ($700-800 total) for repairs etc. So another 300 would be about all I can spend.

What would you do? Leave it and use it? Swap the LU? Try and paint it?

Heres pics:

 

[gm280]

DocTide, I can say with absolute results that if you can know how to sand things smooth, YOU can do this project. You do have a few options. You can remove the head and disassembly the midsection (my suggestion because it really isn't that hard to do) OR, sand it without removing it and prime and paint assembled. of course you need to sand everything in preparation for painting. And once sanded perfectly smooth, then skip the Vinegar Wash and/or Aldine. You won't need it. Wipe the sanded area down with either lacquer thinner or Acetone and then you're ready for Zinc Chromate primer. Once you have the ZC primer done, then use a good sandable primer next. That will get you ready for the paint finish. If you see anything that just doesn't look good after priming. You have to sand it smooth. Just remember, paint doesn't cover up poor preparation of the primer. So if you can see it or feel it, the paint will show it. If you would like to see a complete engine rebuilt from beginning to the end including cleaning, sanding, priming and painting, click on my engine rebuild link below and look... And YOU can do it too...

 

[DocTide]

Thank you! I actually spent about 2 hours yesterday tearing it down. God the powerhead removed, and was able to get out the midsection. You are right, it was not that hard. I have the zinc chromate primer AND a 2k epoxy primer. Should I use the ZC first, and epoxy second? I have read plenty of reports saying epoxy works fine. Your rebuilt was very helpful.

 

[gm280]

Thank you! I actually spent about 2 hours yesterday tearing it down. God the powerhead removed, and was able to get out the midsection. You are right, it was not that hard. I have the zinc chromate primer AND a 2k epoxy primer. Should I use the ZC first, and epoxy second? I have read plenty of reports saying epoxy works fine. Your rebuilt was very helpful.

Doctide, yes after you thoroughly clean the parts and then sand then to whatever finish you like, then use the Zinc Chromate primer. After that then use the 2K primer next. And that is where you get serious about any imperfections you don't want to show in the final paint. The smoother you get the 2K primer, the nicer the final finish. You can even use wet dry 400 or 600 grit paper with water to cut smoothly and not plug the paper. It both lubricates the sanding effort AND washes away the material at the same time. Then dry it off and make sure it is clean and dry for the paint... I know you can do this. You already proved to yourself taking the head off... :thumb: We also need pictures!