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Author Topic: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?  (Read 3112 times)

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Offline robdrobd

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Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« on: October 12, 2009, 06:36:08 PM »
When I go to paint my engine, what parts do I leave alone? Which part will shine up nicely and are usually left untouched when painted. Other than the obvious points cover, etc.
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Offline NickC

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2009, 06:39:45 PM »
I'm polishing up the clutch cover, chain cover, stator housing, valve cover, carb caps, and carb float bowls. Painted everything (but the valve caps), and sanded the tips of the fins so they show a little silver
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Offline cb350twin

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2009, 08:21:05 PM »
All just involves ALOT of sanding and ALOT of time.
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Offline Alan F.

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2009, 07:06:57 AM »
My plan is inspired by many before me (check the project shop section) who painted the engine cases, but all engine case side covers, stator, transmission, clutch...will be polished.  If they're painted a boot rubbing on them over time will wear through the paint. When polished a boot rubbing on them will only make a highly polished spot!  Plus it looks great in all of the photos I've seen.  I'm torn on what to do with the valve and breather covers, and inspection caps though.
-Alan
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Offline NickC

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2009, 08:08:30 AM »
If I had to do it all over again, i would have just painted it all :D
Polishing is a PITA
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Offline SohRon

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2009, 05:33:51 PM »
When my engine was done, we painted all but the breather cover, tappet covers, cylinder head (cam) side covers, starting motor cover, clutch cover, points cover, left crankcase cover (front sprocket) and alternator cover. All of these "covers" were polished. And we waited until the engine was re-assembled (without aforementioned covers) to paint it... just seemed easier that way. For the results, see below, or go to my thread noted in my sig.


« Last Edit: October 13, 2009, 05:50:22 PM by SohRon »
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Offline NickC

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2009, 05:51:42 PM »
Here's an example. Don't mind the mess :D
If i had a dremel I'd polish up the intake manifolds.


Waiting on some new tappet covers to get here, and stil working on the valve/stator cover
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Offline mcuozzo

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2009, 06:25:49 PM »
Ahh, go ahead and paint it all.  Some examples...

And to add some more confusion, the last pic is mine, and I'm powdercoating some parts.  Obviously I've only done the valve cover so far.  I'm lazy.



« Last Edit: October 13, 2009, 06:27:26 PM by mcuozzo »
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2009, 06:31:38 PM »
It all gets a coating of some kind.  The factory used sliver/aluminum paint for most of it, and clear coat over the brushed shiny bits.

Once you polish to mirror smooth, you are doomed to repeat the polishing at short intervals to stave off corrosion.
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Offline Alan F.

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2009, 06:48:02 PM »
Quote from: TwoTired on October 13, 2009, 06:31:38 PM
Once you polish to mirror smooth, you are doomed to repeat the polishing at short intervals to stave off corrosion.

http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp  Pricey stuff but I've heard some very good things.
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Offline 1080

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Re: Which engine parts do I leave unpainted?
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2009, 10:31:52 PM »
I have painted the top tower cover, because they are hard to clean when in the frame.

So what I could reach with my hand is polished.
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