L-98 Valve Cover Cleaning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 16
From: Alexandria Kentucky
L-98 Valve Cover Cleaning
Gordon Killibrew says use only Simple Green cleaner on the early and mid-year silver painted C4 Valve Covers because it will not react with the metal or the paint. On an '89 that I bought new, I did that and since the discoloration that plagues these valve covers never got a chance to get started, it worked out well. Long story short, I've got a 90 now that has the standard brown color which comes with not cleaning them after each trip. I know it's impossible to get rid of a majority of the discoloration--and refinishing is the only real solution--but I'm wondering if any of you have found a cleaner that will at least make a dent in the ugliness?
Thanks for any suggestions!
Thanks for any suggestions!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Linton Indiana
If you soak the valve covers(or anything painted) in Simple Green concentrate it will actually take the paint off if you leave them immersed for a day or so. We use it in our parts cleaner to loosen dirt and paint; I'm a big fan of Simple Green!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 16
From: Alexandria Kentucky
Thanks, Joe.
I guess if you wash it off after application, it doesn't harm the finish but if you leave it on, that's a different story. Killibrew was adamant about using only Simple Green but he did say rinse the engine thoroughly after you use it.
I guess if you wash it off after application, it doesn't harm the finish but if you leave it on, that's a different story. Killibrew was adamant about using only Simple Green but he did say rinse the engine thoroughly after you use it.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,966
Likes: 709
From: WI
I just wiped mine down with thinner and sprayed them. There were a few small casting bubbles I tried to smooth with file. Very easy! Here's a picture:
That's the V/C paint from Corvette Central. I ordered something else from them and tried the paint. I've repainted them twice now and still have paint left in the can. Mine get pretty banged up removing them so often. WTH is with that brown color? At first I thought some kid owned the car or gave their dad a fathers day present by using deck stain on them.
That's the V/C paint from Corvette Central. I ordered something else from them and tried the paint. I've repainted them twice now and still have paint left in the can. Mine get pretty banged up removing them so often. WTH is with that brown color? At first I thought some kid owned the car or gave their dad a fathers day present by using deck stain on them.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Thanks Andrew those are the pics I was looking for, since my SR is polished, I need to do something like this.
So I have tried to scuff the brown off, an dit is tough stuff, so thinner is all you used to get it off?
So I have tried to scuff the brown off, an dit is tough stuff, so thinner is all you used to get it off?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
I just hit it with some sandpaper to clean up the castings a bit. I'm pretty sure I used a primer when I did mine...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
I just wiped mine down with thinner and sprayed them. There were a few small casting bubbles I tried to smooth with file. Very easy! Here's a picture:
That's the V/C paint from Corvette Central. I ordered something else from them and tried the paint. I've repainted them twice now and still have paint left in the can. Mine get pretty banged up removing them so often. WTH is with that brown color? At first I thought some kid owned the car or gave their dad a fathers day present by using deck stain on them.
That's the V/C paint from Corvette Central. I ordered something else from them and tried the paint. I've repainted them twice now and still have paint left in the can. Mine get pretty banged up removing them so often. WTH is with that brown color? At first I thought some kid owned the car or gave their dad a fathers day present by using deck stain on them.
Could you use the valve cover paint to paint the plenum/runners/base if you wanted to give it a new look? Its all the same color right?
Last edited by Pwnage1337; Jul 8, 2009 at 01:28 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
I'm doing mine right now. I've got the driver side off and the paint stripped. I'll prime it with Zinc Chromate, then use Rustoleum High Temp Silver for the color.
My emblem as the paint coming off. There is only red on there. I'm gonna finish taking the rest of the paint off, and reglue it as is. I say it would look aftermarket since it has a mirror finish under the paint.
I had a problem getting the driver side off as the booster vacuum line runs through a plate that is bolted on the back of the head. I have since been told to just bend the bracket to the firewall to give enough clearance to remove/install the cover.
I've also been told to go with the Felpro rubber valve cover gaskets. Which I bought a set from Autozone.
I did clean the engine up first since with the leaking valve covers, there was alot of grime. I just hate that there are alot of little screws that like to rust up. I even used compressed air to dry the engine off afterwards.
My emblem as the paint coming off. There is only red on there. I'm gonna finish taking the rest of the paint off, and reglue it as is. I say it would look aftermarket since it has a mirror finish under the paint.
I had a problem getting the driver side off as the booster vacuum line runs through a plate that is bolted on the back of the head. I have since been told to just bend the bracket to the firewall to give enough clearance to remove/install the cover.
I've also been told to go with the Felpro rubber valve cover gaskets. Which I bought a set from Autozone.
I did clean the engine up first since with the leaking valve covers, there was alot of grime. I just hate that there are alot of little screws that like to rust up. I even used compressed air to dry the engine off afterwards.