Valve cover refinishing

[D Calkins]

Prior to refinishing am I supposed to remove this plate? If so how do I reattach it?

Thanks

David

 

[ScottAndrews]

If you are going to head blast the valve cover, then yes remove the rivets. On mine the plate was reattached using epoxy at each riven location. I suppose you could re-riveted it. I would not use screws which might come loose and wreak havoc in the valve train

 

[HB Chris]

When I vapor honed mine I shot carb cleaner inside, used narrow brushes and compressed air and felt comfortable with it. If it was tumbled I would remove it.

 

[boonies]

I vapor honed and then washed the area out multiple times with water, gasoline and carb cleaner.

 

[Luis A.]

I would remove it. I've been amazed over the years at how much glass beads persist in remaining adhered to corners and crevices, especially in an oily location such as that. Even after several forceful washes with Dawn and very hot water. Followed by power washing.

I removed it, tapped the holes, cleaned with acetone and applied Loctite primer for inactive metals followed by red loctite. I used low-profile-head bolts.