So I finally got my junkyard valve cover from a late-model 4.0 for my 1999 under the knife and cleaned it up. Noticed a few issues and gots some questions...

- The valve cover seems to be slightly bent, not sure if someone tried to lift from the front without undoing all bolts or if these are actually pry marks
- I have a new Felpro silicone gasket with new grommets
- Should I be good to try to bend it back so it sits closer to flat and just install it? I could get a measurement if anyone's interested (it's only barely noticeable right now, it looks to me like if it was bolted down it wouldn't be an issue but what do I know)

- Any suggestions on cleaning buildup out from between the CCV breather holes and the metal that splashes oil back onto the rockers? I can still see some mess near the edge and after a bath it still reeks of degreaser

- Will I need to use high-temp paint like VHT? Had planned on a good rust primer and Tractor & Implement Enamel.

Thanks!

 

I used Gunk degreaser and a Scotchbrite pad to clean up the shellac on the inside which worked pretty well but wasn't what I would call easy. To paint, I used VHT black krinkle. I did not prime, just cleaned the valve cover really well and wiped down with denatured alcohol after scuffing with a clean Scotchbrite pad. It's held up for about a year (?) now.



When the paint dried I used 220 sand paper on a block to knock the paint off the ribs and give them a brushed look.

 

wow that looks good

 

Bump. I'm not much help, especially on paint.

A steel cover I might not mind tweaking. Errr this one??? Idk bud. I think I might want it dead flat before I put it on. Any "bias" might bode trouble. (good, flat ones leak). Don't really know, but for the time and trouble starting right might be preferable. My local JY guy sometimes will let me "upgrade", meaning if you bring your bent one to put on, it can be swapped without trashing his stuff.

Dang F1, that looks sweet! Anyway, Isn't there some trick painting aluminum...vinigar or ammonia or something to treat it before the primer? Idk.

acceptable ions

 

Nice work F1Addict. I'm guessing from your comments that the Renix valve covers are aluminum? This puppy's steel. The reason I'm asking about the enamel paint is I really rather like Caterpillar New Yellow lol

I have had no problems cleaning the outside and most of the inside, it's just the cavity where the CCV system goes. I just checked Ze Goggle and it seems Renix ones are designed differently. In this model valve cover there's a piece of steel spot welded right above the rockers that keep oil from splashing into the CCV elbows. So far all I can think of is load it up with soap and blast it with a pressure washer to get all the gunk out.

Not my pic, but this is what I'm referring to:


Also Don I think there's an aluminum-specific primer you can use

 

Place your VC in your wife's oven and turn the "Clean" feature on. It should cook all the goodies out in a couple of hours.

 

That F1 Cover is great work, very nice!
Clean is the key to good paint adhesion.
Check you cover with a straight edge on a smooth surface. You need pretty flat for good sealing.
My Renix cover is older and a little diff than Salad's pic.
I use oven cleaner inside and out to clean up, then rinse well!
When scrubbing I use a stainless bristle brush and scotchbrite pad.
Like F1, VHT paint works very well and will take the heat and future exposure.
Wipe down the exterior well prior to paint (rubbing alcohol works), I went straight with the VHT, no prime.
I recommend pre bonding your gasket to cover with a silicon sealer (permatex ultra copper works) to keep it in place during install. Antiseize the surface in contact with your cylinder head.
Have your bolts precleaned and don't overtighten! (I like the use of antiseize on the bolts).
(50 in lb, about 4 ft lb torque)
Canadian Tire "Help Hardware" section has some grommet replacement options.

 

Oh man, that looks good. Is that color Burnt Copper metallic?

 

yup, VHT Burnt Copper, holding up well. The Peep's rolled over 602000km and going so I wanted to do a copper top effect.
As an aside, do you think Spicer has any universal fix in a spray can products?lol

 

VHT primer, VHT red wrinkle, ribbs sanded down, VHT clear. Then baked in a BBQ grille for 1 hour at 200*.

 

So is that a "yes, salad, the valve cover actually gets hot enough to warrant expensive paint that only comes in two colors" (1200 degrees is pretty hot) or are you guys just showing off pretty pictures? Lol

 

I'll take pretty pictures for $100, salad.

 

You don't need super high temp paint for the valve cover. The wrinkle stuff I (and Cruiser) used is rated to 350º F (not sure what that is in Canadian) which is their lowest temperature rating so I would imagine you could use virtually any of their paint products for the valve cover.


Oh! Wait! It says right on the can 177º Canadian.

 

The exhaust doesn't get to 1200* for crying out loud. The valve cover will get no hotter than your oil temperature which should be about 250* American. Use engine enamel.

 

Oil temperature.... Duhhhh. Thanks guys I must have inhaled too many fumes. I didn't realize that VHT brand had 'normal' paint. I thought it was "Very High Temperature" for a reason. At least all the stuff on the shelves here is like that.