Painting Valve Cover

[Avengerdude]

So ive been thinking about painting my valve cover and i was looking up pics and they turn out really nice. I just was wondering how much work do your actually have to put into getting them off. And can i let it sit there till i get them back on. Like the spark plugs and what ever else is in there. Sorry for not knowing everything but any ideas?

 

[rlacasse1]

yes. you can. they are easy to remove. just don't start your car without it or there will be oil everywhere.

 

[Avengerdude]

can anyone give me some detailed instructions?

 

[DSM_PWR]

Its really not hard, just look at it for a while and you'll figure it out

*Unbolt the inner/outer bolts around the valve cover
*Any vacuum hoses
*PCV Valve

and BAM your done..

Also i'd look into powdercoating, not only does it last longer, but looks better IMO

 

[rlacasse1]

Trust me on this. Detailed instructions are not required. It is very simple to remove. There is nothing tricky about it. Just don't doubt yourself and you will have it off in about 5 minutes.

 

[carpethead10]

You have to prep the v/c then clean it and spray can it. If its not prepped properly then it will only look good for a few months, I suggest powercoating like DSM_PWR said.

 

[OK's best GSX]

I always covered my motor with saran wrap just for extra protection because it is so windy and sandy across the street.... Depending on if you have a garage to work in it's a thought

Also might as well change the gasket while your at it.

 

[Avengerdude]

ok. when i remove the hoses and valves nothings guna squirt out or something or drain will it. and will a napa or bumper to bumper have the gasket?

 

[rlacasse1]

Yes napa should be able to get it. Autozone, O'reilly, or Advanced should have it.

No, nothing will squirt out of anything. you may drop one little drop of oil but thats it. No squirting.

 

[agedog2gT]

Well first, i would not Paint it. Unless it is heat resistant. paint chips and fades quick from what i have learned. IMO it would be best to get it powdercoated. You can get it in just about any color and its a lot tougher than just paint. I have hit mine with tools, dropped stuff on it and not even a scratch or chip. I have one that is powdercoated and one that is shaved/polished (chrome look). So good luck in which ever way you decide to go.

 

[Avengerdude]

alright thanks guys

 

[Project2G]

If you do this and end up needing a new valve cover gasket I have an extra one. PM me.

 

[96WhiteTSi]

yeah its a real simple uninstall/install... if i can do it im sure anyone can... something like 8-12 little 10mm bolts hold it on there, also remember when you put the new gasket it (should always use a new one IMO) make sure you put a little RTV silicone or something like that (helps hold the gasket when you flip it over and helps seal a little better IMO)

 

[richardc475]

When you go to put the valve cover back on make sure not to over tighten the bolts as the valve cover will crack very easily.

 

[Avengerdude]

how much are the valve cover gakets usually? and will just gasket sealer work.

 

[rlacasse1]

I would not use just gasket sealer. The gaskets are cheap as hell.

 

[tsihottie]

You can get a lifetime warranty valve cover gasket for like 20.00 at AZ, Oreilly, advanced auto, etc. Do not just use gasket sealer. This is a very easy thing to do. If you are going to just spray the v/c,then you need to sand it a bit to scuff it so the paint will stay. Also you should use high temp engine paint else it will look like garbage. Its very very easy tho.

 

[TiradoCC]

Powder coat it or paint it every month

___
Carlos Tirado
Tirado Custom Coatings

 

[tsihottie]

Powder coat it or paint it every month

___
Carlos Tirado
Tirado Custom Coatings

you dont have to paint it every month if you do it right. yes, i do recommend powder coating (around 75.00 on ebay for a painted v/c) but if you dont have the money and are looking to make it look nice, you CAN spray can-it. Like i said, make sure to get high temp paint and make sure you let it dry good.

I sprayed mine in the gsx and had NO problems with it. Was on the car for a year before I sold it and still looks great to this day.

 

[SmalltownDSMer]

Powder coat it or paint it every month

___
Carlos Tirado
Tirado Custom Coatings

Send it to these guys in Texas, I just got mine back today and am very pleased with the results.

Jayson

 

[inneed4dsm]

do what smalltowndsmer did

 

[Nati0nalxCrisis]

Its really not hard, just look at it for a while and you'll figure it out

*Unbolt the inner/outer bolts around the valve cover
*Any vacuum hoses
*PCV Valve

and BAM your done..

Also i'd look into powdercoating, not only does it last longer, but looks better IMO

+1, Probably one of the top 10 Easiest things you'll do to your car, plus, it doesn't take very long.

 

[Avengerdude]

yeah im probably going to get it powder coated at my local shop and il be making a stop at autozone or something.