Painting a Valve Cover M103
 

Hey guys,

Just came back from Pull-A-Part in Norcross with a valve cover for the M103.

I plan on painting this one a nice bright silver and replacing my current one.

Could any one recommend a very good engine quality paint for the valve cover?

Thanks

i would powder coat it, more durable than paint

I would, but that seems like too much money....besides, I can not think of one place in Arlington, TX that can do it...

I only spent $11 for this valve cover, I really hate to make this a $100 dollar project just for changing the color of one part.

i doubt it would cost that much, i had 4 rims done for $75.00 each

If you do powdercoat it, I would not let them do the inside. I know someone did that on a Porsche and there was a problem with the material breaking down on the inside of the valve cover. It probably should not have happened but it did.

I was going to paint one of mine but instead blasted it with a pressure washer and it looks pretty nice in raw magnesium, I think that's what the material is.

That's a neat idea,

I do not have access to a pressure washer, any other ideas on getting the old paint off?

Have you had any rust issues?

If theres no rubber involved (gaskets etc.), and I'm assuming there isn't. A rag and some brake cleaner before you pressure wash should take the paint off pretty well. Not too sure how baked on the paint is, but if you just spray the stuff on and then wipe down the surface you should get some good results. May leave a residue, but thats why you pressure wash it after.
-Zach

Painting M103 valve cover:
 

If you really must think cheap. hear is a way I would attempt it but I truly would recommend power coating the out side only.
1) rinse with a good engine degreaser and warm water take a brush if you need to to clean any cavities of grease and rinse again till clean.

2) I am not sure if there is any plastic on this valve cover so be carefull and ask for the approrate paint remover if plastic use a fiber glass paint remover and some 3-M scott bright red pads . Wear neopream gloves when handling the paint remover apply with a brush.

3) let stand for one hour and adjectate the paint remover as needed.
rinse with a good stream of water and inspect for areas were paint needs more remover and adjectate some more with more paint remover and a sott brite pad.

4) when done let dry if you have access to air blow out cavities were water collects you could use your wife or gir friend hair dryer but don't let them know.

5) when absolutely dry. do not place your hand on the valve cover use a tack rag auto body supply store to wipe down valve cover. buy a can of sealer primer auto body supply mist light coat let dry and then spay again till you get good coverage on all sides let dry for a day and place under a heated lamp or place in oven for 30 minutes a t low tempture just enought to cure the paint do not over due.

6) option one go to your local auto parts store and buy some high heat paint in a color you want. option two tell the autobody store you want a high heat paint made up in an aero sol can. You will need to shoot this paint with in a certain time frame before it bonds to it self ask body shop supply store for instructions. You may also get a clear coat same with a low gloss to shoot as well.
When painting use light fog coats wait 30 to 60 seconds to shoot another build coat again back to the oven for 30 minutes to one hour low tempture or ask body shot supply store about recommended curring times and tempture?
7) take to powder coater and let them do the work and sit down and have a beer. any way you do it with freshen up the engine bay and make a good excuse to raise you hood around friend.

Happy motoring
Bob Geco