painting crankcase ?

[zaza]

I noticed that a Netherlands Porsche specialist uses to paint the engine case he rebuild. What is the reason and the advantage of this choice ?

[Steve@Rennsport]

It does look nice & clean, but normal paint makes a great heat barrier and blocks convective cooling.

IMHO,....Its not a good thing to do.

[tadd]

Steve:

So should anything be done to the magnesium cases? I am just getting started on my rebuild and have already noticed white dust (mag oxide) on the case. I would assume the factory had to have protected the case with something and it would be rather thin after 35 years.

tadd

[Steve@Rennsport]

Tadd:

White oxide where the parent metal is unprotected is normal with magnesium, but certainly is unsightly.

One needs to remove the oxidation and any pitting before protecting the metal to prevent further damage. You can read http://www.magnesium.com/w3/data-ban...&magnesium=229 for further information about corrosion control on magnesium alloys.

[Paul Schooley]

I would think rubbing in some WD 40 or the like would stop the oxidization. I spray mine annually when I winterize the car and haven't seen the white crud since.

[rick2]

That's why I don't fix the oil leaks, keeps it protected.

[Chuck Miller]

I think I picked it from the Pelican BB...

The stuff I use for all my mag is Starrett M1 All Purpose Lubricant

http://www.asapwoodworking.com/index...SE%20LUBRICANT

It seems to have something a little different then WD40 and LPS, it even smells different.... I used it all through my rebuild and seemed to work great...

Hope this helps,
Cheers,

[Paul Schooley]

Chuck, probably has a splash of aftershave in it. Hmmmm, maybe I'll try some myself.

[tadd]

Thanks Steve!

tadd

[tadd]

So it seems like a good choice would be to clean the case with an basic (pH >7) cleaner and then go with a thin fog of dichromate (I get the stuff in spray cans from the local airplane store).

Thoughts?

tadd