removing timing chain ramps
 

I'm considering powdercoating some engine items and would like to include the timing chain covers. How are those chain ramps removed? i applied some pressure but they didn't seem to want to come off.

Also, i've read there are black and brown ones. Can someone give me the brief on which is preferred and why?

The ramps are on the housings bolted to the case, are these housing what you a referring to?

You should be able to simply pop them off with a large flat blade, they have a spring clip holding them on. Since you are removing them, I would not worry about damaging the ramps as you should replace them.

The brown ramp goes on the lower passenger side (one that is in the case half) and is either shorter or longer (don't remember which) in order to differentiate it from the identical black ramps.

that's correct, the two boxes that bolt to the case. Its been a while since i took things apart and couldn't recall which the ramps were on. So both the left and right sides just snap on and off? i'll try to grab a larger flat screwdriver and put more back into it. and plan to replace them both with new items even though these are pretty new-ish still (tensioner update was done in the last few years from the looks of things).

You really should have a manual for this job. I use an old fashioned brake spoon (drum brake shoe adjuster tool) to remove the single ones inside the chain housing. The other four ramps are located inside the engine case, and require bolt removal to remove the ramps. You will need new seal washers for the four bolts on each side (8 total). Pay attention to the ramps, they have a long end and a short end. The long ends point toward the closest chain sprocket, in other words, the long ends of the 4 ramps in the engine case point toward the middle of the engine case. The long ends of the two outer ramps point toward the chain sprocket on each camshaft.

Leave the box and ramps alone just do the covers. Removing the ramps will most likely break them and you will need to replace it.

If you paint the timing chain cover you need to use a two part etching-primer since it is aluminum, right? Otherwise it may 'reject ' the paint in few years.

I guess those ramps are a 'wear-item' ( plastic ! ) I should check mine.

Bling, bling. Don't do it.