Valve Cover

[Mistermark]

Hi
Got some spare paint laying around and would like to paint my valve cover, only question is , is it best or manadatory to replace the valve cover gasket after taking it off.

and i have access to a sand blaster machine, would it be a good idea to use it instead

[imported_mntdewred]

Honda recommends that you replace every gasket you ever remove, but if you remove it carefully you will be fine.

Is your spare paint high temperature paint? For the paint to adhere to the valve cover the best, you may want to clean and degrease it. Unless you are powdercoating your cover, its not necessary to sand blast it.

Btw, I can powdercoat your cover if you'd like Here are some shameless plugs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=8029658970
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=8029656031

[Mistermark]

Thanks for the info
maybe since its an old stock gasket i might as well replace it, prolly not expensive at all anyways
the spare paint i have is rated 1200C+ so im sure it more than fine

[Forward Motion]

we do quite a few refinish jobs on the Valve covers. Couple things to note here.

1. unless your going to plastic bead the v/c dont use normal sand or aluminum Oxcide. it etches the finish where the plastic bead does not marr the surface.

2. i recomend using a good can of Aircraft aluminum stripper in a spray can, its available at most auto parts stores carring Automotive spray paints as well. About 6-8$ a can. remove any grease with mineral spirits or gasoline works well too. you can use a brush to help clean with. then spray a healthy coat of the A/R on the valve cover. Make sure you get the tight spots good.

for a nice even finish like the original.. Apply light coats of paint in even strokes from about 10-14 in. away dont over paint them. and don't use a primer.

Hope that helps some...

[Mistermark]

thanks alot, ive done painting before but thanks for the info, btw why no primer? cuz i do have high heat primer laying around. and whats the best way to plug up the spark plugs holes. just tape?

[imported_mntdewred]

Don't worry about plugging up the spark plug holes. Leaving them open will cause no harm.

[Forward Motion]

reason for no primer is because it hides the natural detail some of the paints give you. like a wrinkle finish. If your going to powdercoat it thats a bit differant because your looking for a differant final finish anyhow. I usually spend almost an hr masking off alot of the details, like the lettering, particular bolt holes and especially the spark plug holes. this gives a professional appearence and the results look like this.





these were taken just before we finish detailed the lettering. This is a red wrinkle finish much like the stock looking OEM valve cover.

Sorry so late for the reply