Cleaning valve cover

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Cleaning valve cover

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Cleaning valve cover - 1/1/2008 7:34:23 AM

corsair8080

Posts: 60
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Northern Florida
Status: offline

Hey guys,

whats the best way to clean your valve cover?

I wanted to be safe and just use water before i asked anyone. But is there anything else that wont damage it?

Thanks

Post #: 1

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/1/2008 10:20:51 AM

reaper2022

Posts: 3133
Joined: 2/4/2007
From: Pennsylvania
Status: offline

I always just use soap and water... just remember to let the engine cool beforehand

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Post #: 2

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/2/2008 2:32:16 PM

corsair8080

Posts: 60
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Northern Florida
Status: offline

Alright thanks, didnt wanna use anything that would harm it.

Definatly let it cool

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Post #: 3

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/2/2008 10:08:52 PM

flin1

Posts: 36
Joined: 12/15/2007
Status: offline

Degreeser would be your best bet as well as dawn soap first then degreeser; make sure the car has been off long enough for it to be cold ( not warm or hot )

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Post #: 4

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 6:58:14 AM

corsair8080

Posts: 60
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Northern Florida
Status: offline

Alright, well it was about 16 degrees outside last night, i think that my engines gonna be cold this morning

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96' Civic LX Tafetta White

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Post #: 5

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 7:07:01 AM

mxs

Posts: 8006
Joined: 7/3/2005
From: Rochester, NY
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: corsair8080

I wanted to be safe and just use water before i asked anyone.

Water isn't going to actually CLEAN anything. If your valve cover is unpainted you can use Engine Brite, Simple Green, or any other degreaser, and a wire brush.

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Post #: 6

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 7:41:58 AM

alecrust

Posts: 200
Joined: 11/8/2007
Status: offline

Agreed. I would recommend something strong like white spirit, since it wont harm the metal. Use a wire brush, then put it through the dish washer as a finishing touch ;)

It must have no dirt or grime before painting (if that's what you are going to do).

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Post #: 7

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 7:56:10 AM

corsair8080

Posts: 60
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Northern Florida
Status: offline

Yeah thats what im doing, Im painting it red.

It already has paint on it right? but its just grey

So i need some aircraft remover to get that off

and then paint

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96' Civic LX Tafetta White

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Post #: 8

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 7:57:50 AM

corsair8080

Posts: 60
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Northern Florida
Status: offline

oh thanks MXS

I was just wondering since that part gets REALLY hot if chemicals would mess something up

Like in simple green, Grease Lightning,...etc.

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96' Civic LX Tafetta White

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Post #: 9

RE: Cleaning valve cover - 1/3/2008 8:13:02 AM

alecrust

Posts: 200
Joined: 11/8/2007
Status: offline

quote:

need some aircraft remover

Wow, send me a bit of that!

Yes, you must use special paint. If you can;t find specific valve cover paint, just go with caliper paint. Once all dryed, you should also spray with a protective clear heat resistant spray.

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Post #: 10