Painting valve cover Options

[HectortheRican]

Can I just unbolt the valve cover, paint it, and bolt in back on?

Also, I've seen pictures of painting valve covers and things like the spark plug tube openings were sealed off. What exactly needs to be sealed?

And what paint would you guys recommend? I'm thinking just a nice silver, maybe even red, I haven't decided.

[808celica]

buy a VC gasket set while you're at it. high temp engine paint is what you should use.

[HectortheRican]

My VC gasket was replaced roughly 13k miles ago, still think I should?

[808celica]

buy RTV in that case. i'll be doing some painting tomorrow myself

[NYp8tBaller07]

yea best way is to take it off and paint it, just go to auto zone and get some high temp paint. Im prob just going to do it while its still on the lol

[SwissFerdi]

But the bolts have to be torqued down to certain specs when reinstalling, right?

[4-eyed-freek]

yup they do.

But the bolts have to be torqued down to certain specs when reinstalling, right?

[mak5603]

It doesn't matter how long ago you replaced the gasket, once you take the vc off, you will want a new one as the gasket seat has been broken. Use high temp paint. And yes make sure to torque everything down correctly. At least I would change the gasket.

[HectortheRican]

Alright, high temp paint and replace head gasket. Two questions answered, thanks guys! Now what do I need to seal off? The spark plug holes, the oil hole, the vacuum holes, anything else?

[mak5603]

Valve cover gasket, not head gasket . Just use masking tape or "painters" tape to seal the holes.

[al94st]

Inpsect the gasket if it only has 13k, it's probably alright, lube it with some oil before putting it back on, if it is OK. Kind of like you lube your oil filter before putting it on. Mask oil cap hole with masking tape and use a small file to form it to the circular shape. the tape will rip to the shape perfectly. Just roll up paper towels and stuff them in the spark plug holes and pcv hole. As for paint search for what you think you'll like. Main thing is prep, sand to like 400 grit before starting to paint or whatever the paint you use might recommend on the can. Here's a pic of my base coat with the valve cover masked off.

This post has been edited by al94st: Mar 14, 2011 - 6:35 PM

[Smaay]

^^^ correct if the gasket is still soft then its fine. you only need to replace it when its hard and brittle

[eboz74]

should have made a write up

[easternpiro1]

and dont forget to put SEVERAL layers down. id use the whole damn can if i were you

[808celica]

timing is the key between intervals

[HectortheRican]

Thanks guys

[eboz74]

makes me want to paint mine

[jordisonjr]

Same haha