When you get the block back from the machine shop make sure you really scrub that baby down with hot soapy water. I like Dawn dish washing liquid and water straight from the bottom of the water heater. Put the block on the engine stand and dry with compressed air really well. As a final preparation step, wipe everything down with prep solvent on a lint-free rag (I like cotton t-shirts).

Make sure you have a 55 degree or warmer day and paint the inside of the engine. Use Glyptal. Its $50 a quart from Eastwood – buy the brush on and a quart will do the job real nice (I use the disposable “China” bristle brushes from Harbor Freight). Also paint the exterior at this time too. Let everything dry real well – at least 48 hours.

I’ve used brush on and spray for the exterior color and to be honest, they both come out real nice. The rough surface of the cast iron negates any advantage that spraying has in terms of laying down smooth and a brush is easier to control – especially in the tight places. Make sure you mask all mating surfaces with easy release painters tape (I use the yellow stuff from 3M but the blue is fine).