Valve covers and spray paint

[Mike Poore]

I've been toying with the idea of spray painting the valve covers with Dupli.Color MIRAGE paint kit. It's like the Mystic paint on the Cobra and comes in two forms. One is sort of Brown through dark Purple metalflake, and the other is Purple through dark Green. They change color depending upon the angle you view them. I think they'd look way cool with Ray's GT coil covers.

Here's the thing. When I asked about temperature, they said the stuff was OK up to 180 F, and I'd guess a little more, 'cause they're gonna leave a little head room. Do the temperatures of our valve covers get that hot? I know they're very hot to the touch, but more than 180 F? Does anybody know for sure? I know we've painted our engines, and valve covers with regular automotive paint in the past, and except for those areas near the exhaust manifolds, it worked just fine.

What say guys? :dunno:

[2003 MIB]

I've painted the stock coil covers, KarKraft aluminum "4.6 32 valve" covers and most recently the GT coil covers. No issues with paint. I primer, paint and then clearcoat. No bubbles or anything.

It should be noted that I didn't use regular spray paint on the stock covers- I used Krylon Hi-Temp. All the others were regular spray paint.

[Dr Caleb]

I'd say 180 degrees should be a minimum temperature for a paint. Remember, most have thermostats at 180 degrees, and that's just the point at which the water starts flowing to the radiator. I'd say the covers would get much hotter than 180 degrees. But I've been wrong before . . .

Perhaps some VHT paint instead? I kinda liked that bright yellow job from last week . . .

[GordonB]

Mike,
As others have said, I too would recommend Hi-Temp paint ONLY for the valve covers.
GordonB

[rumble]

I've been toying with the idea of spray painting the valve covers with Dupli.Color MIRAGE paint kit. It's like the Mystic paint on the Cobra and comes in two forms. One is sort of Brown through dark Purple metalflake, and the other is Purple through dark Green. They change color depending upon the angle you view them. I think they'd look way cool with Ray's GT coil covers.

Here's the thing. When I asked about temperature, they said the stuff was OK up to 180 F, and I'd guess a little more, 'cause they're gonna leave a little head room. Do the temperatures of our valve covers get that hot? I know they're very hot to the touch, but more than 180 F? Does anybody know for sure? I know we've painted our engines, and valve covers with regular automotive paint in the past, and except for those areas near the exhaust manifolds, it worked just fine.

What say guys? :dunno:

Sir;
I did a half azzed study on this very thing last year. You might want to
peruse this thread.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13054

As you can see the Valve cover temp in this case was 170+ degrees.
I would think that would be to close to the max for the kit you are reffering to.

[Mike Poore]

Sir;
I did a half azzed study on this very thing last year. You might want to
peruse this thread.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13054

As you can see the Valve cover temp in this case was 170+ degrees.
I would think that would be to close to the max for the kit you are reffering to.
Thanks Gary, I remembered the post, and in fact had made a comment or two on it. Well, from those data it would appear that I'd be just on the edge of getting away with using the MIRAGE paint on the valve covers, since they say 180 F is OK, and as I said before, there may be a little wiggle room. I notice, some of the guys run a cooler thermostat and wonder if that would make a difference. :)

[Petrograde]

LOL Gary...
I wouldn't call it half-a$$ed. . . I got a lot of of that thread! :up:

Mike,.. please post pics if you do it!

[Mike Poore]

LOL Gary...
I wouldn't call it half-a$$ed. . . I got a lot of of that thread! :up:

Mike,.. please post pics if you do it!
Actually, the video of me getting the &*%$#! valve covers OFF, should be worth the price of admission.;)

[Petrograde]

Actually, the video of me getting the &*%$#! valve covers OFF, should be worth the price of admission.;)

you're a braver man than I, Mike! :P I hope you have a lift! ..or be willing to pull all the stuff off of the firewall...