Powder coat Engine parts

[ogri211]

I have My engine stripped down and I am wondering what to do with the crank cases, I am going to polish the outer casings, I know that's not the way they were done originally they were painted, but I like shiny things. My question is has anyone ever powder coated their crank cases, I have a guy who has done all of my powder coating for years and he is very good. I am wary about getting the crankcases done and also I would need to match the colour when I was painting the top end of the engine, I would be grateful for some input.

[hairygit]

Sounds risky to me, my experience with powder coting is it's not good on areas which get warm, let alone hot.

[ogri211]

I spoke to my powder coater and he seems quite happy to do it he has done lots of parts for me and is very good with the masking and knowing where to leave uncoated  I have not decided yet I may just do it with VHT and bake them in the oven when the Missus is out, I have that paint from DS has anyone used it and is it any good?

[Rozabikes Tim]

I have My engine stripped down and I am wondering what to do with the crank cases, I am going to polish the outer casings, I know that's not the way they were done originally they were painted, but I like shiny things. My question is has anyone ever powder coated their crank cases, I have a guy who has done all of my powder coating for years and he is very good. I am wary about getting the crankcases done and also I would need to match the colour when I was painting the top end of the engine, I would be grateful for some input.

Powder coated crankcases and whole top end on a race engine years back. No issues.

[Clem2112]

I had the generator and sprocket covers powder coated and the finish is fine.
Some minor blemish showed on one where the alloy had minute pinhole corrosion? but other than that they look good and shiny.
Plenty of choice in silver to choose these days too.
Not fully petrol resistant but better than the spray stuff which I used for the rest !
Others also have the crankcase and rocker covers done with no issues in service.
Honda didn't paint the lower crankcase, due to cost or heat dispersion?

[Integra99]

I've had lots of issues with VHT paint being fuel resistant..  baked it on and looked amazing.   A small fuel leak and damaged it, it had several layers all baked on.

Out of interest how do mfrs paint modern engines.. is it powder coat or paint?

[Trigger]

What VHT ? And was it baked in a oven at 200c for at least one and a half hours.

[ogri211]

Have you used the David Silver stuff I used Plastim Barbacue paint in the past satin black and it was good, what do you recon with the DS 200 degrees for 2 hours after painting or leave it a day before baking.

[Integra99]

Yes was baked in a booth oven. I've bought some Hammerite BBQ Paint to try..  my last engine I did in Halfords satin engine paint and it was bullet proof, I just wanted a Matt finish!, Maybe its the Matt finish?

[Greg65]

Sorry for jumping in on this thread. I am also pondering the finish Q and was wondering if the DS VHT paint is the preferred choice or the Simoniz VHT enamel paint?

Comments opinions appreciated.

Greg

[Nurse Julie]

Simoniz  VHT enamel every time for me personally.

[Greg65]

Thanks Julie, one less decision.

Greg

[MrDavo]

I know it should be obvious, but for heaven's sake don't let anyone paint or powder coat inside your motor, particularly where the bearing shells go.

My CB750 came with a self scrapping bottom end, caused by a 1 thou thickness of paint in the bearing carriers, put there by a previous owner on another continent, nicking the oil clearance. There's a long thread on it somewhere, but that's the short version. The fun we had working out just what the hell had happened....

[Greg65]

The only daft Q or experience is the one not asked or shared.

Thanks Mr Davo.

Masking. News paper and masking tape or are there some top tips out there.

Thanks,
Greg

[ogri211]

I like the bit about not powder coating the inside of the engine, Im sure someone has done it, but my Guy has done many bike engines, he masks it for blasting then cleans it all and remasks it for the spaying of the powder coat ,I have no worries about him covering anything that shouldn't be done.