1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

[Keith M.]

So I got everything off down to timing cover which I intend to remove, replace front seal and timing cover gasket. My question is how to finish these front components to be "correct" as original in anticipation of my future painting of engine. At time of initial build the engine was not painted until timing cover and balancer were installed. So at that time what finishes were on timing cover and balancer (particularly backside as that won't get engine orange paint). Anything else I should be aware of with regard to finishes or reassembly of these components?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

So I got everything off down to timing cover which I intend to remove, replace front seal and timing cover gasket. My question is how to finish these front components to be "correct" as original in anticipation of my future painting of engine. At time of initial build the engine was not painted until timing cover and balancer were installed. So at that time what finishes were on timing cover and balancer (particularly backside as that won't get engine orange paint). Anything else I should be aware of with regard to finishes or reassembly of these components?

Keith------


All of those you mention were natural steel or cast iron. No paint, primer, coating or anything else.

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

Keith------


All of those you mention were natural steel or cast iron. No paint, primer, coating or anything else.

Excellent. I do not have a media blaster but a friend of mine can do such work for me to get timing cover and balancer down to natural steel or cast iron. I presume a recommended course of action to stay as true to original would be to have him blast the timing cover and balancer. And I should instruct Damper Doctor to not apply ANY finish to the damper. Then I would reassemble and apply light primer followed by engine orange on the assembled components. sound good?

Separately, in order to prevent rust on the back of the balancer and the lower timing cover area blocked from paint by the balancer when assembled..would it be a good idea to hit those areas (back of balancer and lower timing cover) before assembly with something...perhaps a clear coat matte spray???

[Mark M.]

Re: 1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

Keith,

It's a matter of preference to prevent rust where paint originally didn't get. Clear coat ,oil ,wax! The water pump was on also and much of the timing cover and the back of the pump had little paint. The spray guns they used pushed some volume and no primer was used. Do you have a TIMJG ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

Keith,

...no primer was used.

Mark-------


Yes, and if primer is used in restoration the top coat will appear too thick, smooth, and unlike the original paint.

[Paul D.]

Re: 1969 L46 Front Engine Finishing

In my opinion, any media blasted surfaces that are visible and not painted would appear different than factory, especially on the sheet metal (timing cover and plate on back of water pump). Chip.