What all should I do to engine before paint?? CC 1450

[AL Farmall Boy]

Guys. I'm (SLOWLY) working on my CC 1450 and restoring it. I'm just fixing what needs attention and doing all the cosmetics too. The engine (seemed to) run good when I decided to tear the mower down. I have all of the yellow stuff painted and most of the black, but still have the engine and the engine cowling parts to paint. I'm getting ready to paint it but what do you all recommend that I do to the engine before painting it? I have bought the following parts and plan on doing:

[list=][*] Clean oil pan and replace gasket, [*]Clean and replace crankcase breather and gaskets, [*] Clean and machine flat the cylinder head, and replace head gasket, [*]Replace or rebuild an OEM carburetor, [*]Install new points, condensor, and spark plug, [*]Install new OEM muffler and new quietline muffler box shroud[/list].

Right now I want to focus on all repairs/adjustments/etc on the engine so I can finish them all and clean the engine up to get it painted!! Didn't know if I might be missing something, or if there is something you'd recommend doing while I am already in pieces on the bench!

[Lt.Mike]

Sounds like you’ve got it mechanically sound. That’s the first step. I’d remove all paint I can get off that may have an iffy foundation that might make new paint lift (pretty much all of it). Then I’d wipe it down good with a degreaser then lacquer thinner.
Now run it well enough to verify you’ve got no leaks. If you find an oil leak fix it and wipe it down again, run it. If it doesn’t leak wipe it down one more time and your ready for primer and paint. Anyway that’s my way.

[AL Farmall Boy]

So, you'd start and run it on the bench? I haven't even thought of that. I guess one wouldn't need a switch and all, just a jumper wire to points and a hot battery.

Next question, are the valve tappets adjustable on these? If so, I could adjust the valves cold and run it a while to check the clearance hot. I could also get some lapping compound and lap the valves while the head is off. What constitutes doing that? Isn't it a good thing to do while I'm there assuming the engine is original and not rebuilt?

[Greenthumbfarms]

I dont remember the exact procedure for it, but I can scan my service manual if you like. Yes, the valves are adjustable.

[AL Farmall Boy]

So, you'd start and run it on the bench? I haven't even thought of that. I guess one wouldn't need a switch and all, just a jumper wire to points and a hot battery.

Next question, are the valve tappets adjustable on these? If so, I could adjust the valves cold and run it a while to check the clearance hot. I could also get some lapping compound and lap the valves while the head is off. What constitutes doing that? Isn't it a good thing to do while I'm there assuming the engine is original and not rebuilt?

I would like to expand on the above question and also ask if you think I should put new rings in the motor for preventative measure to have a "better" engine. I'm installing a new oil pan gasket, new head gasket, & cleaning and leveling the head so I feel like it is one of those things to do "while it is apart, and you're in there" kind of thing.

I've never done anything with small air cooled engines like this so that is why I'm asking for y'alls advice while I'm fixing things and repainting.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Wanted to bring this back up. I’m getting ready to work on the engine and haven’t gotten a reply