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View Full Version : Any tips on cleaning up cam covers?


Pantherfreak
05-12-2013, 05:47 AM
Greetings. I have a black '04 with the aluminum cam covers. It's never seen snow (and never will) and only very occasional rain, but my cam covers have developed that dirty, pitted look that happens to bare aluminum over time. I have driven it a lot - 155000 km.

I'm sure others have had this happen, so I was wondering if anyone has found a workable solution to bringing back the finish and protecting it. I have no problem doing the manual labour that may be required. There must be some kind of polishing/buffing process that can be used on engine parts - at least I hope there is.

I considered purchasing those nice black chrome cam covers from Ford, but they were insanely expensive ($700.00 each!) I'm sure I could remove the covers and have them professionally refinished, but that's a lot of cash too. I'm just looking for suggestions on how to clean them up on the engine, using my free labour, if possible.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Also, I wasn't sure if I should put this thread in this forum or not - if it should be somewhere else, please advise.
SC Cheesehead
05-12-2013, 05:54 AM
Once aluminum oxidizes and pits, it's pretty tough to get it restored to a consistent shiny finish.

May want to consider getting them powder coated. Not free by any means, but well worth it, IMO.
Pantherfreak
05-13-2013, 08:35 PM
I may well go the powdercoating route in the future. I was hoping to clean them up in the meantime, but haven't had much luck bringing back oxidized aluminum in the past. Thanks for the reply.
License2Bill
05-13-2013, 10:23 PM
There was a thread on CVN I believe about somebody who used some faux aluminum-paint on his pitted intake and plenum and they looked almost like new when he was done. He did get them as clean as he could before hand though. I'll see if I can find it
fastblackmerc
05-14-2013, 06:33 AM
If the covers are pitted nothing short of either sanding them until smooth, using body putty to fill in the pits or using a wrinkle / crinkle finish will make the covers look good. Powder coating won't work either as it will not sufficiently fill in the pits.
Raleigh Marauder
05-14-2013, 06:42 AM
If the covers are pitted nothing short of either sanding them until smooth, using body putty to fill in the pits or using a wrinkle / crinkle finish will make the covers look good. Powder coating won't work either as it will not sufficiently fill in the pits.

I've used the wrinkle finish on the covers of my GT. I like the look...
Vortech347
05-14-2013, 08:43 AM
Brake cleaner sprayed directly on is the only thing I've seen clean them up a bit. You have to be VERY CAREFUL for overspray.