Valve covers - Restoration

[Dan Koser]

I'm sure this subject has come up before but my valve covers need restoration...they have that powdery look. Any suggestions on how to go about this, or any referrals to companies that do this work? Any help would be appreciated. Regards, Dan

[Joseph Stebbins]

They are aluminum and you can simply pull them and polish the machined bits with some metal polish or use a buffing wheel. The sand cast portions should remain unpolished but clean. I would not recommend media blasting them.

Cheap and easy!

[Shelly Harris]

Mine looked bad, but it's an easy clean up. Started with a heavy scrub brush and a lot of engine degreaser. Used sandpaper block, then steel wool on the fins and stars.

[Bob Barger]

If I remember correctly, to make them LCOC correct the ribs, star and bottom edge should be polished.

[Dan Koser]

Mine looked bad, but it's an easy clean up. Started with a heavy scrub brush and a lot of engine degreaser. Used sandpaper block, then steel wool on the fins and stars.

Great info & thanks. I can take this on in the back yard. Regards, Dan

[Mad Scientist]

After cleaning you may want to consider spraying on some type of a clear coat, lacquer, varnish, etc, to help prevent further corrosion.

[Dan]

Do you need to replace the gasket when re-installing them?

[Shelly Harris]

Yes, most definitely. I would also smear a light coating of gasket sealer on both sides of the gasket and torque the bolts.