Has anyone used exhaust coatings or paints? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strelnik · #1 03-27-2010, 07:13 AM

It's easy to clean up a diesel engine bay and one of the few parts that still can't be spiffed up too much is the exhaust manifold.

I was looking for a product that I could paint the exhaust manifold with after wire wheeling it clean, mostly for appearance, though that would be a good time to replace manifold nuts with stainless steel, and apply anti-seize high temp as well.

I looked at several coatings, especially Tech Line. and also just paints.

Has anyone used coatings on their diesel or gas engine manifolds?

The ads claim increased power through better heat control (which I wonder about) but heat reduction in the engine compartment wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

Any ideas or recommendations? I don't want to start removing exhaust manifolds if I don't have to.

Ramblin · #2 03-27-2010, 07:38 AM

The exhaust coatings work well however to get them to stick you must sand blast the exhaust manifold first, which means you must remove it from the car and that might be prohibitive. These coatings are available from lots of antique car restoration supply houses.

compress ignite · #3 03-27-2010, 07:38 AM

I've talked to Techline about application ('Forgive the memory,or lack of) and I
believe they told me you could use a Muiriatic Acid wash to prepare the component for "Coating".
They also offer a "Stain-Less" Steel coating option.
I'm also a little skeptic about the increased milage claims.
But, Any Radiated heat you can remove from the E.C. is great.

oldsinner111 · #4 03-27-2010, 08:18 AM

Plain stove paint at hardware store works.Mines been on 4 years.

strelnik · #5 03-27-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

Plain stove paint at hardware store works.Mines been on 4 years.

I knew somewhere there was an economical solution! Many thanks, will report after I do it

offalot · #6 03-27-2010, 06:13 PM

All I am saying is tech data that looks good on paper but if sme say they have it on their car and it is lasting then what the hell do I know...

Most High temp paints BBQ paint, high temp engine paint are rated at 1200f A hard loaded engine fully boosted will bring EGT's up in around 1400f But who knows what failure really is on this stuff, if you painted it flat black and it burnt, oh no! it will be flat black again!

strelnik · #7 03-27-2010, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offalot

All I am saying is tech data that looks good on paper but if sme say they have it on their car and it is lasting then what the hell do I know...

Most High temp paints BBQ paint, high temp engine paint are rated at 1200f A hard loaded engine fully boosted will bring EGT's up in around 1400f But who knows what failure really is on this stuff, if you painted it flat black and it burnt, oh no! it will be flat black again!

I know a guy who put ceramic coatings on his Pinto hot rod (yes I said Pinto) but that was muy expensive several years ago.

charmalu · #8 03-28-2010, 01:51 AM

Iam eventually sending some parts to these people. I have seen some of the parts at car shows that they do, not a shinny as chrome. but then chrome turns blue with high heat, and is more maint. to keep it looking good.

www.capsbhc.com

Charlie

amosfella · #9 03-28-2010, 02:13 AM

There are high heat paints used to keep kilns and blast furnaces from rusting. If there's a foundry in your area, you might be able to get a bit of leftover from repair workers for free...

Brian Carlton · #10 03-28-2010, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Not DIY:
http://www.jet-hot.com/ (They quoted $175.00 for an OM602 E.M.)
[It sure does look purty,though! Gsxr's got pictures of one of his manifolds.]

Based largely on Dave's advice, I used these people to do the manifold on the SD when it was off the engine.

Two years later, the coating has discolored, and flaked off in places, allowing the manifold to rust.

Thoroughly dissatisfied.

compress ignite · #11 03-28-2010, 11:11 AM

BC,

Customer Service Question:
Did J.H. offer to remedy their "Mis-Application" at their expense?

barry123400 · #12 03-28-2010, 11:35 AM

Bill Hirsch has offered an unusual paint on manifold coating that requires the heat of the manifold to totally cure it over time. I cannot quote on it as to durability or quality.

He calls it a manifold dressing but it is a cheap paint on type of product that he has vended for years. At least the mercedes diesel manifolds do not turn red like their gas engine ones used to. You could open the hood after a good run and see them glowing in the dark.

It is probably a stretch to expect almost anything to survive those harsh temperature extremes. I was wondering about spray on metalizing as I typed this.

THe problem with any type of real aluminium coating is again the melting temperature is too low in service I think. Certain more exotic metals might be applied or melting glass on the manifold. Permanent adhesion then still becomes an issue as the coefficient of expansion will be different.

Their may be nothing out there that is practical at a price anyone would be willing to pay. The best ideal on this thread so far in my opinion is to get hold of some of that kiln paint that is applied to reduce rusting on the cheap so to speak.

Codifex Maximus · #13 03-28-2010, 12:59 PM

Seems like a ceramic or galvanized based coating would serve.

JHZR2 · #14 03-28-2010, 01:18 PM

Eastwood has header-back exhaust paint, and a product that you rub into rusted cast parts to make it look like black cast iron.

Check part number 11171 manifold dressing as well as 25270z, 10395z and similar parts. Never used any, though I may try the dessing on my turbo casing for looks.

amosfella · #15 03-28-2010, 01:35 PM

Stay away from galvanized. The zinc in that coming off from heat will kill you...