I took one day off, and have spent the last three days doing five minutes' work once every hour. I puttied up all the holes around the engine. Let it dry for an hour. Sanded it down. Looked at all the dings and dents. Applied more putty. Let it dry for an hour. Sanded it down. Applied a coat of primer. Let that dry for an hour. Looked at the imperfections. Applied more putty. Let it dry. Sanded it down. Applied primer. Lather, rinse, repeat.
After three days of this it's finally where I want it.