Engine painting questions?

Just had a couple of questions. First, has anyone painted their engine with a gloss black instead of the semi gloss? It seems to me that it would hold the shine instead of becoming dull more quickly like with the semi-gloss. Or is it just ugly looking? Second question is about cleaning my engine. I have used the search feature and have seen the scrub, scrub, and scrub again postings. My engine is out and I have used an engine degreaser cleaner and a small coldwater pressure washer. About the only thing left on the engine is some tar like substance and baked on oil. I can't rub any of it off using my fingers. Should I try some other type of cleaner and a wire brush or can I get away with painting over it? Thanks for your help.

I cleaned my engine with some Aluminum Bright from NAPA. I basically sprayed, scrubbed with a stifff brush, rinsed, and repeated. Took a long time, but the engine cleaned up fairly well before I sprayed it with Krylon BBQ Grill black. I will be posting a picture in a few days. Looks pretty good.

Mark

Not sure on the gloss thing, I always use the simi-gloss. It's easyer to touch up if needed. I would try some lacqure thinner or acetone to get it off. You went clean metal to paint.
Mark

I haven't used the paint personally but am going to. Mark Coulson, a dragracer with a spotless motorcycle who prides himself on the looks of his bikes(you can tell by just looking at his equipment), told me he uses PJ1 gloss black on his motors and they look great. I have seen them personally and they always look shiny black. He told me he has never had any problems with this paint and highly recommended it.

Thanks for the input everyone. Looks like I will have a few more days to figure out if I want to go gloss or not while I continue the cleaning process. I will post some pictures of before and after when I'm done. Thanks again.

I am using the semi-gloss on my top end rebuild for my 81 J model.THe paint looks great. Almost have the head back on today but the Vesrah gasket kit lacks the o-rings for the oil galleys! I will post pix soon.