Plenum & Valve cover refurb

[Andy4200]

Thought I'd show a few pics of the refurb I did a little while ago. It may help someone.

1. Plenum and valve covers removed.
2. Plenum disassembled.
3. All parts carefully shot blasted. The internal surfaces and open holes masked to prevent the shot getting on the internals.
4. Degreased prior to paint.
5. Paint with crackle paint following instructions carefully. I used a hot air gun to slowly warm the paint. Eventually the smooth surface will start to crackle. Chase the crackle with the hot air and it spreads over the whole surface. I painted the Plenum black as matching the original is tricky. The Trofeo black looks OK to me.
6. Once totally dry, reassemble with all new gaskets, including the rubber seal on the Plenum.
7. Bore people with your pretty engine!

 

[CatmanV2]

Looks like a cracking job!

C

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

Looks fantastic, nice work!

My valve covers are pretty much perfect all things considered, but there is some paint coming off the plenum on mine. Yours looks fantastic in black, if I get round to a job like that I'd be going down that route!

 

[zagatoes30]

Stunning, lovely job

 

[Bebs]

What a satisfying job - well done, looks great!

 

[philw696]

Absolutely looks Stunning

 

[Nibby]

Looks great.

 

[Brendan]

Very impressive

 

[urquattrogus]

looks great!

On the Z3M forum there were two, yes two people who needed engine rebuilds after a simple cam cover re-furb!

I think sand/shot had got stuck in a windage tray type area.

Stating the obvious I know, but it made me think I would check extra hard!!

When I've had covers done before they were pretty flat and no where for anything to collect.

 

[Andy4200]

Thanks chaps. Yes fairly pleased with the outcome.

You're quite right about being careful with the shot blasting. You don't want any shot getting into the engine, hence the extensive masking. Thinking back, I'm sure I used the pressure washer on them before degreasing.