Show me your anodized valve covers and fan housings

[Trackrash]

Has anyone anodized their valve covers or fan housing? My search has come up empty.

Thanks,

[mrm930]

Both are magnesium - I don't think they can be anodized. Best bet is either polish them and then have them powder coated - clear. - OR - Bead blast them and then clear coat.
The bead blast will give it a nice even natural matte look to them.

Some owners have them painted also.

Good luck

[Trackrash]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I am preparing an SC motor for my car. I believe those are aluminum?

[tazzieman]

Post #9 shows a nice alternative

Valve covers - alternative to powder coating?

[fbeatty]

Magnesium can be anodized from what I understand, but I have never seen it done.

Anyway, no anodizing but poished:



Edited to add: I have seen anodized magnesium. When I was thinking of buying a Ducati. Marchesini wheels.

[si Banker]

I have never herd of anodizing mag. Anodizing does not take to aluminum that has been sand cast or pres sour cast if the aerial is to porous. Anodizing works best on aluminum plate in alloys, 2024 and 6061.

The anodizing is a type of chemical dying or etching using a electro currant

[Canada Kev]

Yes, magnesium can be anodized, however I am unsure if the alloy used in the fan or housing is a good candidate.

There are some who have ceramic coated them, as well, with good results. Also Gibbs oil. Some have powder coated, too...

[nameisbauer]

+1 magnesium can definitely be anodized.

[jackb911]

For $4, it's hard to beat good ol' Rustoleum 7777 Satin Black.

[gtc]

The (later) valve covers are aluminum and cast in some manner.

[Trackrash]

According to my research anodizing cast aluminum does not always give good results. I have read threads about finishes Pelicans have used on there aluminum engine parts. I have yet to read about anyone who has used anodizing. Which is why I have started this thread. I like the look of polished, however I want something that will not take a lot of upkeep.

[Canada Kev]

For valve covers, I think I'd use powder or ceramic coating. You are correct in that with cast aluminum, sometimes you get a mottled finish if anodized.