paintin stuff.

[9-3sleeper]

So im going to start ..... you prolly get it,

my only question is: is there a gasget under the valve cover that I will have to replace when I pull it off or no? I'll post pics when it's all done.

[Saaboheme]

Part Code: 8822041A
Part Name: VALVE COVER GASKET
Part Brand: ScanTech
Part Cost: $13.90
Part Description:
Valve cover gasket with ""half-moons"" attached. 900(all 4cyl) 87-98, 9000(all 4-cyl) 86-98, 9-3(all), 9-5(all 4cyl).
Doing something like this?

[9-3sleeper]

damn, do you think it can be done without replacing it?


I am planning on doing a blue theme, but more like saab emblem blue so it'll be a bit darker. I'm also thinking about some custom saab graphics but we'll see how that goes. Im also painting the calippers tomorrow.... lightning blue

[saabchilten]

i've read that the gasket sticks to both the cover and the head when you pull the cover off, so i suspect you'd damage it when pulling the cover. if you haven't replaced it yet, why not?

[9-3sleeper]

Originally Posted by saabchilten

i've read that the gasket sticks to both the cover and the head when you pull the cover off, so i suspect you'd damage it when pulling the cover. if you haven't replaced it yet, why not?

cuz then I could start the job tonight instead of tomorrow lol

[saabchilten]

damn, that was a fast reply!

[9-3sleeper]

Originally Posted by saabchilten

damn, that was a fast reply!

haha, lucky timing.

[Saaboheme]

Many people have successfully re-used the old gasket, although I have never attempted it. At the low price of $14.00 I have always figured it was cheap insurance against leaks after reassembly. I too was shooting for darker blue and will attempt the Colorchrome Laser Blue transluscent paint used on the engine cover and turbo delivery pipe this summer. I was leery of attempting it before, but now believe that it may possess the necessary heat tolerance, as it has held up so well for a couple of years under there.

[9-3sleeper]

Originally Posted by Saaboheme

Many people have successfully re-used the old gasket, although I have never attempted it. At the low price of $14.00 I have always figured it was cheap insurance against leaks after reassembly. I too was shooting for darker blue and will attempt the Colorchrome Laser Blue transluscent paint used on the engine cover and turbo delivery pipe this summer. I was leery of attempting it before, but now believe that it may possess the necessary heat tolerance, as it has held up so well for a couple of years under there.

yeah Im just going to wait till tomorrow. Im still thinking about what kind Of theme I want though so ill prolly stare at my engine for a good hour tonight.

[9-3sleeper]

saaboheme, where are you getting those for $13? my dealership said 84 for both and GS said 30 something

[Saaboheme]

Valve cover gasket set (inner and outer) for $13.90 at eeuroparts - see my first post, below the gasket picture.

[drwisley]

Those silicon gaskets become more and more porous overtime. Even from day one, the gasket suppliers measure how much "weeping" occurs, even under compression. When you pull it out, it will be allowed to expand much more than its original size because of the oil contained inside the gasket.

You can however reuse it, but it will be a pain to squish it back in, with out pinching it somewhere. Some techs will cut out a small section in a long straight away (or two) to shorten the gasket. If you do this, put a small "hershey kiss" of threebond 1217F at the junction.

That's some general reuse tips for these gaskets. I would never reuse one that costs 14 + shipping. This technique is used in the dynos for engine development, since you pull covers over and over for inspections.

[lms]

Just have one ready just in case. I pulled my cover off the viggen and it and the old gasket went back on just fine. Been like that for around 10,000 miles and no leaks. Good luck.

[Chris 9-5]

Originally Posted by lms

I pulled my cover off the viggen and it and the old gasket went back on just fine. Been like that for around 10,000 miles and no leaks. Good luck.

Yep re-using mine worked fine too!

[steviethev]

I've been looking to do some painting too, and am wondering...


what type/brand of paint are you using that holds up under the 'under the hood' temps?

[Saaboheme]

The engine enamel on the valve cover is POR-15 engine enamel, with 80% solid base color. Super high quality but extended flash and dry times, so your car is down for at least a day when you do it. The transluscent paint is Colorchrome from POR. Can be painted directly onto polished metal and so far seems to tolerate heat better than any other transparent or semi-transparent paint I have found.

[steviethev]

Ok... thanks!

One more question: is that the same paint that you used to paint the plastic cover that sits above the block? (The one with the cut out for the oil cap)

[Saaboheme]

Yes. Everything that is blue, except for the valve cover, is Colorchrome Laser Blue.

[9-3sleeper]

ok, well I decided to hold off on the valve cover for now but everything else is getting the paint. I ended up goin with a metalic blue but my queston is whether or n I should sand the paint at all befor clear coat. What do you guys think?

[steviethev]

Originally Posted by Saaboheme

Yes. Everything that is blue, except for the valve cover, is Colorchrome Laser Blue.

Sweet. Thanks for the info!