M104 head paint is cracked !
 

Hi,

I like to keep my MB engine clean and looking good but I'm starting to have a real problem with the engine head paint (see pictures). What's the recomendation here? I'm affraid getting a shop to remove and paint the head will cost a lot and probably the new paint won't last too much.

I was thinking about removing just the sparks cover and paint it black and leave the head as it is. Is there a diy easy way for that?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

There are a couple options. Have the cover media blasted to strip the old finish and then primer and paint . . . or have high temp powdercoating done.

Hi MTI,

Thanks for the imput. Do you think that the sand blasting + primer + paint procedure will last another 10 years or is it something you are supposed to do every couple of years?

I'm not sure if I can get it powder coated locally. Are those heads aluminium ? Could it be anodized?

The item you are calling a "head" is really just the valve cover. Because Mercedes paints them, the casting beneath the paint is pretty rough, pitted and otherwise unattractive in its natural state.

A good application of high temp paint should last a pretty long time. I have found that powdercoating tends to cover imperfections and is more chemical resistant than paint.

I have the same thing , they have a silver wheel paint I was going to try.

If you do, please post some pics.

Do you know if there is something special when removing the valve cover? Do you need to replace a gasket or something?

There is always a gasket. There may be other lines that attach (breather, etc.) that MIGHT break when removed. removing a valve cover is generally a pretty easy process.