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MG MGB Technical - Valve Cover Paint???

My car is a 1973 MGB.

When I rebuilt my engine I cleaned, prepped and repainted the valve cover black as it is suppose to be on my car. I used a good grade of high temperature paint.

The problem I am having is that after just a couple of years the paint is peeling off.

What type paint have you used on your valve cover and are you happy with it? Did you use a primer? Was it a high temperature paint?

Other suggestions?

Thanks,

Robert
Robert Browning

Robert.
Why not clean it completely and have it powder coated. I would not sand blast it as the residue is almost impossible to remove .
Sandy
conrad sanders

Robert, as Sandy said, powder coat it. I took mine in to be powder coated a few years back and it still looks great. That's the way to go I think.

John
JCH Hibbard

Robert

I used engine paint on mine, done at the same time as the block and head, though separately. The paint was made-up by a Holden (GM) dealer's speciality paint department - to my colour (maroon) but their specification. It is fine after four years, no adverse reaction to heat or oil.

It might depend on the quality of the heat resistance components?

Regards
Roger
Roger T

A few years ago Harbor Freight had a Powder Coating unit on sale for $50.00. I purchased it and picked up an old abandoned kitchen stove. It 's oven worked. With care I can even get a wire wheel in. It works perfect for all small bits and pieces. I just hang them from small wire hooks .
You can buy bulk from your local powder coater for a lot less in bulk than by small 1/2 pint cans. I let him do the large items and it works out well.I use old plastic coffee containers and buy a pound at a time.He has a great choice of colors including an almost chrome look.
Sandy
conrad sanders

I can only think there was something wrong with the preparation or the paint, even moderately high temperature paint should be good enough for the rocker cover, it doesn't get that hot. I've not repainted mine, but bog-standard matt black on the inlet manifold hasn't peeled or flaked in years.
Paul Hunt

When you have something powder coated, is the finish a matte color or a semi-gloss?

Robert
Robert Browning

May not have been the paint prep. Antifreeze can cause paint to bubble and lift. Moss's red will turn a yellow color.

Powder coating will not be affected by just about anything. I have all my black parts under the engine powder coated. Also had my dash and defroster vents done in wrinkle and it is absolutely beautiful. Cleans up much easier and is much more resistant to chips and scratches.

Now if I could only find a MG red for my valve cover in powder coat.
Bruce-C

I used Duplicolor engine paint on the cover. It's held up great for nearly 10 years. It's not the original dark red. I used a Chrysler red. The engine block has held up well also.

I didn't use primer but did etch with dilute phosphoric acid.
Robert McCoy

This thread was discussed between 26/04/2009 and 28/04/2009

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