Painted Valve covers?

[Endlessblockades]

I did mine last summer when I did the T-belt job. I used about 1 1/2 cans.

My VC's were super corroded, so once I got them cleaned up I figured the paint might help keep them from oxidizing again, plus it was a cheap thing to do. I could care less who doesn't like it.

Looks dope

 

[T4R2014]

We actually did do painted valve covers in our first ever video. Sean wanted to paint his valve covers black during the valve cover gasket job I helped him with so we pressure washed them, painted them and then took a break for lunch while they were drying. But, will we have a tutorial on just painting engine parts? No, that will never happen.

More of a joke than anything. Good to know though. Valve covers in the northeast get pretty oxidized and ugly after a decade. A coat of high heat silver really freshens it up. Plus, the painted surface is less porous = easier to clean.

 

[calebb]

I too did mine during an invasive engine service, got them powder coated red with that wrinkle texture. I have a buddy who was willing to do it for free, sooo...

IMG_4278 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/188252628@N07/, on Flickr

I personally just love the look, clean engines with some contrast look sharp, regardless of performance. Plus, that powder coat will last the life of my vehicle and then some

 

[Pj Benn]

I did mine last summer when I did the T-belt job. I used about 1 1/2 cans.

My VC's were super corroded, so once I got them cleaned up I figured the paint might help keep them from oxidizing again, plus it was a cheap thing to do. I could care less who doesn't like it.

Solid. Thanks. Did you bake them or hit um with a heat gun?

 

[Pj Benn]

I too did mine during an invasive engine service, got them powder coated red with that wrinkle texture. I have a buddy who was willing to do it for free, sooo...

IMG_4278 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/188252628@N07/, on Flickr

I personally just love the look, clean engines with some contrast look sharp, regardless of performance. Plus, that powder coat will last the life of my vehicle and then some

That looks amazing!

 

[calebb]

That looks amazing!

Thanks! Appreciate it!

 

[mtbtim]

Not trying to get too off topic but speaking of that video. I read in the comments that there are a couple connectors near the alternator that could make removing drivers side cover a little easier. Have you done the job since and noticed them? Worth unplugging?

And yes after looking at the ugly dirty covers these past couple months I will definitely get some satisfaction from seeing them nicely painted for a bit lol. I just bought another can of paint to make sure I have enough

Yes, there is one more connector that I disconnected to make this job easier when I did it again. On the right most bolt for the water neck that houses the thermostat there's a wiring harness tab that connects there. If you take off that nut and release that wiring harness tab, you will get some more wiggle room out of the harness. I don't know of another one you can disconnect to get even more stretch out of the harness but maybe there is.

 

[DesertRoads]

I think painting them any color but black would be a great idea. My 4Runner has a bunch of gasket leaks, so having a red/blue/other color than black would be a good idea.

 

[APhelps]

Powder coating is the way to go here for valve covers, I wouldn't waste your time painting them.

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

Solid. Thanks. Did you bake them or hit um with a heat gun?

I initially used a heat gun for an hour or so, then literally left them in the direct sunlight for a day. Even though they felt dry, once the engine was finished and started, you could really smell the paint curing from the heat off of the engine.

If you have a way to bake them in a paint curing oven I'd recommend it. The fumes are really strong.

 

[Speedy]

The red looks killer. I'll add that to my list.

 

[rdruss]

Painted intake and valve covers .. the ultimate in COOL!