Paint behind timing cover

[joshua]

Motor was rebuilt, and guy painted the block without the timing cover. I’m removing paint on the mating surface. Do I have to remove the rest of the paint on the inside? No paint in the valley.

 

[73azbronco]

I'd clean it and call out the dude who painted it, thats some low class work.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I would also pull the timing chain and clean all the crap off it. As much as I can see on the top of that crank sprocket, I am sure there is a bunch in all the rollers. Looks like dust that has settled, not ground in yet. Does the valley look just as fuzzy?

 

[Steve83]

Paint is an excellent gasket, and great at filling in rough (rust-pitted) gasket surfaces. I'd leave it. I frequently paint timing covers & blocks to improve the seal.

(click this text)

 

[ntsqd]

It is a thing to paint the inside of a block to seal off the casting. but that is not how it's done or the correct paint to use for doing that.

 

[Grey owl]

Why, if its not peeling it certainly won't hurt anything. I would just leave it. Its not uncommon for racers to paint the valley they feel faster return of oil to the pan is achieved.

 

[ntsqd]

I'd agree if it appeared to actually be adhered well. Which is does not. And that means that it could plug the oil pick-up when it comes loose.

 

[joshua]

I'd agree if it appeared to actually be adhered well. Which is does not. And that means that it could plug the oil pick-up when it comes loose.

This is what I’m worried about

 

[ntsqd]

When in doubt.....

 

[73azbronco]

over time, engine heating cycles, and constant oil bath, the paint will flake off, possibly clogging small oil passages like roller rockers.

If it was a good idea, everyone would be doing it.

 

[Steve83]

...the paint will flake off, possibly clogging small oil passages like roller rockers.

How could it possibly, if the flakes are small enough to pass through the oil filter?

If it was a good idea, everyone would be doing it.

Rinsing the engine & undercarriage at least twice a year is a good idea, and almost no one does it. Same for changing the coolant & brake fluid every 3 years, and scrapping tires at 8 years old regardless of tread depth, and hundreds of other good ideas.

 

[Grey owl]

over time, engine heating cycles, and constant oil bath, the paint will flake off, possibly clogging small oil passages like roller rockers.

If it was a good idea, everyone would be doing it.

Certainly possible, my guess the filter would get most of it. When the drag racers were doing it they didn't use engine paint they used an epoxy coating.

 

[ntsqd]

Problem is for the filter to get any of it it would have to be sucked into the oil pick-up, and the go thru the oil pump. It isn't all going to come off in little pieces that will pass thru both with little harm. Some of it is going to be flakes big enough to partially block the pick-up.

Going way back the block sealing coating of choice was Glyptal, that distinctively red-orange colored enamel used to seal electric motor armatures.

 

[joshua]

Also, probably not fitting my oil slinger with the double roller chain this guy put on right? I have the explorer timing cover.

 

[73azbronco]

Certainly possible, my guess the filter would get most of it. When the drag racers were doing it they didn't use engine paint they used an epoxy coating.

and drag racers opened the motor every race?

 

[73azbronco]

How could it possibly, if the flakes are small enough to pass through the oil filter?

Rinsing the engine & undercarriage at least twice a year is a good idea, and almost no one does it. Same for changing the coolant & brake fluid every 3 years, and scrapping tires at 8 years old regardless of tread depth, and hundreds of other good ideas.

should have said oil access. oil gets to the rollers, paint settles, etc

Like I said, show us where everyone is good with painting the inside of the block, and probably using spraycan paint. I know of some powdercoated oil pans, thats about it. even powdercoatd valve covers are only exterior.

 

[joshua]

I made the last second decision to leave it. I thought it would just be a nightmare to get it the paint off.

Well I was right, it is a nightmare. Right before I was going to put the roller chain on and skip paint removal. I noticed big strips of paint coming off the surface all on its own. I figured that’s bad.

So I decided to remove the paint. It is coming pretty well with brake cleaner and a wire brush. But the paint is turning into a very gritty substance.

I’m wondering if I should be concerned about this bearing in the front, as I can see the grit sitting on it.

 

[Broncobowsher]

How could it possibly, if the flakes are small enough to pass through the oil filter?

Rinsing the engine & undercarriage at least twice a year is a good idea, and almost no one does it. Same for changing the coolant & brake fluid every 3 years, and scrapping tires at 8 years old regardless of tread depth, and hundreds of other good ideas.

Watch any video from Eric on I Do Cars. He does weekly engine tear downs. One thing I have seen is that an oil filter will not keep crap in the oil from circulating around. Lots of stuff gets by.

 

[Grey owl]

Lol, you don't think an oil filter would catch flakes of paint, lol of course it would, it catches things as small as iron filings.

should have said oil access. oil gets to the rollers, paint settles, etc

Like I said, show us where everyone is good with painting the inside of the block, and probably using spraycan paint. I know of some powdercoated oil pans, thats about it. even powdercoatd valve covers are only exterior

 

[Yeller]

Lol, you don't think an oil filter would catch flakes of paint, lol of course it would, it catches things as small as iron filings.

Missing the point, large pieces block the screen on the pickup tube. Irrelevant at this point he removed the paint.

OP, I wouldn’t worry about the bearing. The particles are not in the bearing, they are on it.