Preping cases for powdercoat or paint

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:57 pm

I'm going to be building a new engine for my 1100. It has 60k miles and the smoke is getting thicker.

What is the best way to prep the cases, jugs and head for powdercoat. They will be completely disassembled. With cast iron blocks you would just give them a chemical dip. Can you do this with the thin aluminum cases? Will it harm the bearing surfaces in the head or the mating surfaces in the cases. Can you adequately get the job done with sand or bead blasting and still protect the bearings.

Next question. Should I powdercoat the jugs before or after they are bored? Will the heat from the baking affect the tolerances of the cylinders after they are re-bored?

Has anyone powdercoated the clutch cover. Will the heat mess up the actuator arm bearing. I don't see any way to get it out without tearing it up and replacements don't exist that I can find.

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:35 pm

The outer bearing in the clutch housing is easily replaceable. I will look up the part number and get back to you (not from Honda, just a SKF or whatever bearing).

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:01 am

If you are sending them out to be powdercoated let the powdercoater do the prep work

I have heard though that powder coating retains heat on sevral different web sites I wopuld check around first

Hawk Joined: Feb 21, 2008 Posts: 334 Location: mobile al

If you look at my "one sad F" post you will see I have powdercoated everything that you mention.Chem dip will work but be ready for the rapid corrosion on the cleaned parts.I personaly bead blast and yes clean up is a pain.Run a tap or die over every thread,use engine cleaning bottle brushes and a good parts washer and solvent.Spend alot of time cleaning and then wash with hot soapy water.When all looks good repeat about 4 more times and you should be good to go.I would powdercoat then bore.I had no problem with the clutch arm bearing.Removed arm and seal,blasted,washed good and coated no problem. Smile