Topic: Painting the engine cases. Bolts in?

[stereosilence]

I am taping up to paint my cases. Do I put the bolts in to hold it together? Is there anything to worry about with not getting paint under the bolts?

[purf_man]

why not just tape off the top case half for the cylinder block and the area around the side covers and just shoot it on a hunk of cardboard?

bolted together you can get tearing when you split the cases and you have to paint it on a stand.

split it and paint both halves at the same time.  you might want to run a piece of tape around the case split but that is about it.

If painting black (I am mine) you might want to leave the areas under covers silver (like the points, sprocket and stator areas)  it will allow leaks to be spotted easier and also make it easier to see things while working on it.

[kghost]

I guess it would depend on how thick the paint is.

Theoretically it could fret and cause the torque value to shift....

Practically, I've never had a problem with it.

Painting right over the bolts will crack the paint if you take the bolt out.

I usually reassemble the case the final time then paint them

[stereosilence]

Good thoughts guys.

I think I will do the half and half way on cardboard. I'm ordering a new (shiny) allen headed bolt kit, so I don't want to button it up and spray it finally.

[AbbyRider]

Definitely paint them as halves. If you're worried about the bolt holes you can use some poster putty, form little balls, and press them in to protect the threads and the flange area. But I didn't bother with that with mine, and it's fine.

[cougar]

stereosilence ; Another way I've found to plug any holes you don't want paint in is to use earplugs. Simply roll it down like you were going to use it then insert it till it's even with the outside of your threads, paint and remove. And they can be used over and over.   ...cougar...

[70CB750]

Great idea, thanks!