[Bill]

My engine compartment is about spotless but I see the cast aluminum on the engine doesn't look as awesome as it could. Some little spots of white (from water splash from the hose I think) and the luster is just a little variable. I don't want to buff it up to a shine. Does anyone have a suggestion for any products a fella could use to keep it even and nice in appearance?

Thanks

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Etnier]

This came up on another board and here's what I posted in response:



Best thing I've found has been a rag, lacquer thinner and patience.



Early 968's (perhaps up to the significant 93/94 M/Y change) had injection-rail and cam covers which were finished with a high-quality metallic paint. IF ANYBODY KNOWS a source for the paint Porsche originally used for these parts, I'd love to learn about it.



On later cars and and on replacement parts there is no finish, just raw metal. Lacquer thinner doesn't damage the finish on the earlier metalwork- (I know because I have a 1993 car which has the paint in place), and works well on the raw aluminum. If you're sure you have the unfinished metal, you could treat it with Aluminum Jelly, being very careful not to let it etch the metal. I'd have any parts off the car before using that, however.



The manifold itself can be repainted with hi-temp aluminum paint: after cleaning the manifold you can spray the paint into an appropriate receptacle, and then daub it on with a paper towel and a small brush. Worked for me.



The photo below shows a stock '93 cam cover, a 'new' injection rail cover and a manfold painted by the method described above.







P.S. (In anticipation of questions-) The cam cover bolts have been nickel-plated.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Bill]

[quote name='Etnier' date='Jun 3 2005, 01:55 PM']This came up on another board and here's what I posted in response:



Best thing I've found has been a rag, lacquer thinner and patience.



Early 968's (perhaps up to the significant 93/94 M/Y change) had injection-rail and cam covers which were finished with a high-quality metallic paint. IF ANYBODY KNOWS a source for the paint Porsche originally used for these parts, I'd love to learn about it.



On later cars and and on replacement parts there is no finish, just raw metal. Lacquer thinner doesn't damage the finish on the earlier metalwork- (I know because I have a 1993 car which has the paint in place), and works well on the raw aluminum. If you're sure you have the unfinished metal, you could treat it with Aluminum Jelly, being very careful not to let it etch the metal. I'd have any parts off the car before using that, however.



The manifold itself can be repainted with hi-temp aluminum paint: after cleaning the manifold you can spray the paint into an appropriate receptacle, and then daub it on with a paper towel and a small brush. Worked for me.



The photo below shows a stock '93 cam cover, a 'new' injection rail cover and a manfold painted by the method described above.







P.S.  (In anticipation of questions-) The cam cover bolts have been nickel-plated.

[right][post="5402"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.