painting valve cover

[caseyk]

I'm wanting to paint my valve cover soon to add some color to the engine bay. I know how to do everything. I just need this one questioned answered. When I take off my valve cover will I have to put a new valve cover gasket back on? I've searched and couldn't find an answer to that.

 

[Jungy]

It would most definately be in your best interest to replace the valve cover gasket as well as your spark plug gaskets on the vc. It would suck to get you clean freshly painted vc all covered in oil right away just because you didnt want to spend the little bit of money on new gaskets. I say do it right the first time!

 

[caseyk]

Thanks for the reply.
Alright. A while ago I thought about just buying a valve cover already painted on ebay but why spend like 80 dollars for one when you can do it yourself for dirt cheap right. I've seen valve cover gaskets on ebay for like $8.75 or something like that. Would those be good or not?

 

[90 Talon AWD]

Yes. I used a ebay valve cover before they work fine, Just dont over tighten the bolts.

 

[aaronhawk60]

I agree it would definately be in your best intrest to replace the gasket they arent that expensive

 

[caseyk]

Alright, thanks. Thanks. I was just wanting to know if the valve cover gaskets on ebay were good. I'll show pics when i do it next week.

Thanks

One more thing. When i put the valve cover back on would i need any gasket sealer or do I just put it on without anything?

 

[Kastigir]

If you want it to last, I'd powdercoat it.

 

[BeantownDSM]

If you want to do it right and not have to go back and do it later.( I have done the painting thing.)First of all when you pull it off you need to change the gasket it could be OK but why chance it.2nd get some aircraft paint remover ( autozone ect. and be careful with it don't get on you it is harsh.)Get all the paint off puddy knife,sandpaper ect. ( Then send it out to get powder-coated) I have painted everything like intercooler pipes and covers and the first time you hit it with a wrench it will chip. So save youself time and spend some $ and do it right. Good Luck

 

[1gDSM4g63]

Go to Indy Powder Coating or send it off the Bonehead Performance. Normal paint won't last at all due to the heat.

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[caseyk]

Well I just went ahead and bought paint. I have some friends out here that painted their valve cover and it seems to be lasting with them. So i bought some aircraft paint stripper, primer, paint, and some clear coat. Just waiting for my gasket to come in. I'll post pics when it painted.

 

[jdodds]

Mine is painted and I really wish I would have powdercoated it. It still looks like the day I painted it but I know its not gonna last. Thats why I have a spare one ready to go in my room.

 

[InfiniteGSX]

Using heat paint is just fine. I don't know why some people say it wont work. If you paint a peice properly, then you will never have an issue. My Hyundai valve cover was painted red a few years ago with high Temp Engine Block Chrysler Red Paint, and then High Temp Engine Block Clear Coat. I also first stripped the stock paint with airplane paint stripper... then I scuffed it up a little with some sand paper... It has been the same for the past few years, till I stripped it of all its paint, shaved it and polished it.

 

[lilchrishall]

yes you will need to get a new valve cover gasket

 

[banshee04]

Just get it powdercoated. It will last longer, and im sure you'll like the outcome of it better then paint.

 

[caseyk]

My gasket should be in in a few days. Only reason i didn't powdercoat was because of the waiting time. I couldnt have the car sit for a week because its my daily and I have nothing else to drive right now. I will be buying another valve cover later on and get it powder coated. Then if the valve cover I paint starts to chip or anything I'll just put on the other valve cover that was powder coated on.

I will post up pics when I get it all done.

 

[caseyk]

Is this right? Start with 400 grit then use 800 grit as final.

 

[jdodds]

I never sanded mine. I just sprayed it with aircraft coating remover, cleaned it, and then painted it.

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[snowborder714]

Here's a tech article on this.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-exterior-interior/107469-painting-my-valve-cover-tips.html

 

[caseyk]

Ok. Thanks!

 

[caseyk]

Well I painted my valve cover today. I'm happy with the results. Just waiting for it to dry now. Will have pics up tomorrow evening.

 

[caseyk]

Just showing you how it looks for right now. Im going to sand the letters and numbers later on.

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[95gsx1985]

looks good are you going to make the letter stand out or leave as is

 

[caseyk]

looks good are you going to make the letter stand out or leave as is

Look for yourself.
I'm really happy with the results!

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[shortyskater]

thats really good. i want to find me a cover at a local junk yard and paint it. very nice job

 

[caseyk]

Thanks, I didnt think it would turn out this good! I wanted to go to a junkyard to get another valve cover but I didnt really feel like it since im short on funds. So i'd rather just not drive for a day or two than spend the money.