Intake Manifold/Valve Covers Clean & Paint Help.

[robw13]

Hi,

What should I use to Clean & Paint my Steel Intake Manifold & Valve Covers? Any easy ways to clean it without sandblasting?

 

[red72]

Since the engine in my car was running OK and I'm not pulling it at this time, I decided to freshen it up by painting the intake and valve covers, which looked pretty rough. I degreased the engine by wrapping the dist. and carb in plastic, sprayed it down with degreaser and hit it with a pressure washer. After it was dry, I got as much of the old paint off as I could with wire brushes (the small ones work well for this). Used brake cleaner to wash the old paint and rust off. Masked off the rear engine compartment and exhaust manifolds etc. Used tin foil to mask other components as it is easy to put on and mold around things. Painted with some decent quality engine paint. One handy thing I've learned is to use an old paper towel roll to direct the spray paint to close or hard to reach areas to avoid overspray. Really made a great difference in the appearance of my old but still good running engine.

 

[robw13]

If I have the parts cleaned at a shop, would i need to sand/ruff up the parts prior to painting?

 

[red72]

If you are going to remove the parts from the engine, it would be good to either hit them with a wire brush (the method I use) or bead blast the parts and remove all the old paint before painting. Either method will make the paint adhere as long as they are clean and grease free before you paint. If you bead blast, be sure to clean the parts well to remove any media that may be left. Wouldn't want to chance getting any of that inside the engine.

 

[70redbee]

Clean the biggest part of the grease off first. Then when the wife ain't looking, put them in the dishwasher. You could also take them to the machine shop and have them cleaned in their steam machine.

 

[robw13]

I'm gonna take em to the shop, $30-40 to clean the intake & valve covers.

 

[sleepar]

I like the thread... I would add you can bake the parts in an oven set at 200° for 20 minutes if you're useing engine enamel.... I use laquor thinner to wipe down everything just before primer and then use 400 grit paper to scuff then the color coat followed by a clear...

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I'm gonna take em to the shop, $30-40 to clean the intake & valve covers.

I would look into a radiator shop and have everything tanked to get all the muck out then it's easier to go from there