Our notes on Valve Cover refinishing

[Jgemayel]

I am taking my magnesium valve cover to have it vapor honed and powder coated. My question: Is "polymer" primer the same as epoxy primer from prismatic powders? or whats the best powder coat primer for the underside of the valve cover and sealing surface? Thanks Dean's Bimmer.

[rg1220]

Originally Posted by Jgemayel

I am taking my magnesium valve cover to have it vapor honed and powder coated. My question: Is "polymer" primer the same as epoxy primer from prismatic powders? or whats the best powder coat primer for the underside of the valve cover and sealing surface? Thanks Dean's Bimmer.

I'm also curious! Assuming it's not the zinc one? Prismatic Powders recommends not using a primer if doing a wrinkle finish so wasn't sure if they were also doing powder coated wrinkle finishes too.

[rg1220]

Thanks again for this write up! Followed everything best I could. Used an Epoxy Primer and Desert Wrinkle Red powder coats from Prismatic Powders. Built a PID temperature controlled oven and baked everything per their instructions.

They're not perfect but they look good and I think they'll hold up for a long time.

[rg1220]

Update: Valve covers were leaking a good bit. However, I didn't use any sealant in the valve cover groove.

Leak seems to be fixed by:
1. Added a small amount of sealant in valve cover groove (like the OP originally recommended )
2. Lubed the rubber grommets that are on the valve cover bolts with some dielectric grease. The bolts have such a low torque value that the grommets weren't slipping 100% into place by the time I hit the 6nm. Had used new NRW grommets.