Mike,

I think the casting work was why they decided to paint them.

The black paint on one of mine washed off with denatured alcohol

Chances are if you see one of these with paint intact it has never been run.

I may bet some of that hi-hemp car engine paint and redo mine and then bake it in a toaster overn for an hour or so at about 250 degrees.

Anyone else have any ideas for baking paint on an engine?