What to clean outside of block with to prep for painting?

[Odrapnew]

I'm thinking of painting my block while its out. Its a complete shortblock if that matters.

What works, and what doesnt?

That is all.

[Notch]

engine degreaser is what i used on my parts and it seemed to work fine

[orange88]

automotive wax & degreaser for paint

[Gear Slammer]

I used an engine de-greaser to take the chunks off. Then my machinist hot tanked it. I used POR-15 products on mine. Acid etch then Por-15 silver. It turned out excellent. POR-15 products are top notch and you just brush it on your block, it levels and adhere's really good. $30 for the paint, and like $15-20 for the acid etch. Check out their web site.

[Bryce'sStang]

I just use mineral spirits and it works well. I also have painted a block using por 15 and it works well

[Odrapnew]

Well, I cleaned the block with some carb cleaner and some denatured alcohol. I was in a time crunch so I didnt have time to clean it really well, but it looks good so far. I dont expect the paint to last forever, but at least I'll feel good when I drop it in the engine bay. I bought a can of Ford Blue engine paint. It actually looks a little lighter than ford blue, but whatever. I guess I could have gotten the Old Ford Blue(or whatever it was called), but meh, it still looks good.

I also decided to do the valve covers and the a/c powersteering bracket. I'll get a pic when I get it all together.

[KRYPTO]

Dont use Rim cleaner!

[StangerJon]

Dont use Rim cleaner!

is that because it comes in such a little bottle since you have to use wheel cleaner for the rest of the wheel??????

[darkdan]

I just use mineral spirits and it works well. I also have painted a block using por 15 and it works well

Mineral spirits can leave behind residue.

"Wax and Silicon" pre-paint prep stuff works well. It's a bunch of harsh petroleum distillates though. Have fun!