MTFCA Forum

I painted the engine & exhaust with Rustoleum 500 degree engine paint waited about a week and started the 1916 T and it burnt the paint off the manifold exhaust and tail pipe. Is that normal or do I have a problem?

Probably normal, but! Be sure your initial timing is correct and that you are using the spark advance lever correctly. Late timing will cause the exhaust manifold to run much hottor than normal. An excessively lean fuel mixture can contribute to excessive exhaust manifold temperature as well.

500 degree paint on an exhaust manifold that glows red?? This is "engine paint" rated.
You need "exhaust manifold" paint. 1200-1500 degrees.
Absolutely normal. You used the wrong paint.

In 1963 at the ripe old age of 14, I would retard the spark on my 27 and light cigarettes off the manifold. Not something I would recommend, but it was handy.

John is correct. Even with the timing set right and the carburetor adjusted perfectly, the exhaust system is too hot for "normal" paint. You want manifold paint. I use the clear version. You do need to follow the instructions to cure it properly.

POR-15 has exhaust manifold paint & other paint’s for engine’s, chassis also, they work very well. Web site is very helpful.
John M
Oscoda Michigan

If you run the engine at night and turn the garage lights off, in many cases, depending on fuel settings the exhaust manifold will be cherry red. Regular engine paint will burn off of the exhaust manifold immediately. Jim Patrick.

You can try Slip-Plate graphite paint on the manifolds....It works surprisingly well. We use it on muscle car era exhaust manifolds.

I’ve used Rustoleum High Heat after cleaning the rust off with my wire wheel. It’s held up well.