Painting Engine Cooling Fins

[Ian_J]

Hey folks ... I have an 81 Eleven Special with the section of black cooling fins. I want to change that to a solid silver/aluminum color.
Any recommendations on the paint make/color to use?
I tried stripping the black with Aircraft Remover but it did not touch it. The black will be painted over!
Cheers!!
.. ij ..

[DiverRay]

You can have the paint soda blasted to remove the old paint, and use a good, high temp paint to re-coat. You will want to use self etching primer on it first, as this will keep the aluminum from oxidizing and peeling the paint. I would NOT just put more paint on top of what is there, as it adds a layer of heat retention to the barrels.

[motoman]

Ian, for an excellent quality paint that does NOT change color from heat, I highly recommend Duplicolor Aluminium DH1606. Good for 1200degrees. Your local NAPA sells the Duplicolor brand. Just an FYI, I used this to touch up one lower exhaust where it meets muffler, just below the heat shield. Did this some 7yrs. ago, and still looks like the rest of pipe with no color change.

[Ian_J]

Painting Engine Cooling Fins

Thanks for the feedback fellas!!
Just what I needed to hear!!
I have stripped and repainted the tank and side covers, and have been wet sanding and polishing the aluminum casings. I prefer the look of an engine being a uniform color.
I had a 79 XS1100 Special back in the day and would like to get back to that look.

Thanks again!

.. Ian

[Rasputin]

Totally yes on the self etching prime or all of you paint will fall off. Happened to me!

[Ian_J]

Painting Engine Cooling Fins

Do I need a high heat self etching primer prior to using the Dupli Color DH1606?

My paint rep says no but I would like to hear from someone who has done it.

Thanks!!
.. Ian

[DiverRay]

A LIGHT coat of any self etching primer should do it. I usually use the best I can find, about $20 per spray can in the US. This is made by S.E.M. paint here.

[Ian_J]

Painting Engine Cooling Fins

Thanks Ray!

.. Ian

[motoman]

Do I need a high heat self etching primer prior to using the Dupli Color DH1606?

My paint rep says no but I would like to hear from someone who has done it.

Thanks!!
.. Ian

Paint rep. IS correct......NO primer prior to using DH1606.

[MPittma100]

Paint

Yamaha painted the fins black to enhance heat transfer. Many other automotive manufacturers did and still do the same to their engines. JAT