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Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:05 pm

I am rebuilding my engine and painted the intake manifold, throttle body and alternator stand in black/brownich paint. It is a Rustoleum paint, i suposed to be BLACK but got a kind of brown color.

I weanted to know your opinion about the painted parts and the original aluminium color part.

Here are some pictures.

I got 2 alternator stands, one which is brand new and the old one wich i painted.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:16 pm

Be sure the surface the Alt straps to is unpainted so is has a good strong electrical ground.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:18 pm

Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:25 pm

Quote: Be sure the surface the Alt straps to is unpainted so is has a good strong electrical ground.

GOOD POINT! Didnt think about that. as well as the surface a bolt on the alt stand to case.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:34 pm

vwracerdave wrote: Be sure the surface the Alt straps to is unpainted so is has a good strong electrical ground.

Make sure the saddle of the stand is unpainted as well as the alternator body where it sits in the saddle. I've always painted my straps but left these areas clean.

brad

Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:56 pm

There is certainly no shame in a nice un-painted VW engine as far as the Magnesium goes! But the Iron does need to be painted so it won't rust. Cylinders and Pushrod tubes, Flywheel and clutch too. Gray does not look to bad on the alternator. Clear coat is what I would use on the Magnesium if anything at all.

Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:03 am

I paint all my steel parts to stop rust and I've painted most of the bolt on aluminum bits on my Bonneville engine to stop corrosion. That $#!^ is corrosive as hell. I've always painted mag cases as I think they look like hell even when clean. Never seen any difference in heat painted or raw.

brad

Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:21 am

Danwvw wrote: Pushrod tubes,
Stainless steel push rod tubes don't rust.

These have 25,000 miles on them.

Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:50 am

Yes if you spring for the extra $ for the stainless push rod tubes, don't paint them as they would handle heat exchange better un-painted. It's hard to say which is going to be hotter though: The air off the heads or the oil off the heads in the push rod tubes. (Probably the Oil) at least when the outside air temp is cool and the engine is hot.