dsmyth

Just doing an engine refresh and have noticed that the timing chain covers looks ugly. The valve covers can be cleaned and look great but you can't seem to improve the looks of those covers. Do they all look like this even when new? Has anyone painted them with long lasting results? thanks Doug

AOW162435

Doug,
I assume they're either magnesium or aluminum. As such, you could probably scuff the surface, clean thoroughly with a prep solvent, and then paint using a high-temp engine paint.


Andreas

dsmyth

Thanks Andreas I was thinking they were plastic. I have not taken them off yet and had them in my hands. Do new ones look any better?

IXLR8

Doug, they all look like that. If I were to paint them, as a minimum, powder coat them - outer surface only. That is as permanent a finish that can be had.

The valve covers are non-metallic, except for the bushings.

AOW162435

Doug,
I know mine look like the pics you posted - have not seen a new set.


Andreas

geolab

The material used on the chain covers is bakelite, known today more as Glass-Phenolic Laminate. Very rough surface hard to clean or paint.

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PNogC2S

They'd look good with that wrinkle paint some manufacturers use on their valve covers. Would that stuff stick to bakelite - long term?

mike cap

Doug,

We use the bakelite material alot in the electrical industry as an insulator. I am familiar with it's composition and I don't think painting it is a great idea. And, of course, they can't be powder coated. I would give them a good cleaning and save yourself a hassle down the road.

AOW162435

Black shoe polish?





Andreas

dsmyth

Its hard to believe that with all the immaculate engines you see pictured that everyone is hiding their timing covers. Has anyone tried to paint?

dsmyth

Andreas .. Shoe Polish! I actually found that in an article about restoring Bakelite antique phones.

You may find the Bakelite has faded badly; your options are to dye or paint. Black shoe polish can be quite effective to fill the minute pits; let it harden for ten minutes, then wipe off the remainder with a kitchen paper towel and buff with a duster.

Doug

jhg41977

How did this work?

Mike J

Out of curiosity, why would you recommend not painting them, especially with an appropriate paint? You worried about peeling, or ?

H.H.Chinn

Hammerite or Zolatone?

JasonAndreas

Are you sure about that? The timing chain case is magnesium and the covers used on the 993 were introduced in 1989 with the 964 but Dupont (they designed the Zytel valve covers for the 993) and Porsche only got together after that? The covers feel like the same material as the case and when they break they look like a (shiny/speckled) metal. You also can't push a red hot pin through the covers...