Is it okay to paint the intake gasket surfaces on the cylinder heads, or must the sealing surface around the ports be bare metal?...

 

I've seen paint on reman engines cause sealing issues before, so I'm an advocate for bare metal

 

I like them clean. Like outrageously clean. Three hours and six razor blades clean.

And one more just for fun before the gaskets go on.

 

I've never had any trouble with it. In fact, if the right kind of paint is used (marine primer with lots of zinc for example), it even helps keep corrosion down around the water ports.

But to each his own, I don't advise someone else one way or the other.

 

I'm talking about typical 500 degree engine paint.
I ask because there are areas that the manifold and gaskets don't cover, so unless painted, bare metal is exposed. 'Was just debating whether to spot-paint those areas, or paint the entire intake side of the heads. Don't want problems though...

 

I've never found it to hurt, but I don't have anything resembling "data". The nature of the gaskets is such though, that at least it's not obvious how it could hurt. Butt hay, that's just my opinion, and any/everybody else is welcome to theirs.

 

Antifreeze is tough on paint, but I suppose the gasket will seal it good enough to protect it. I'd rather have clean bare metal though.

 

Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna trace around a new gasket on some masking tape and trim the tape so I can mask off only the area that is not exposed...