We've probably touched on this before but I can't actually remember and/or find it.....
Does anyone have any thoughts, theories and info on what the original finish was that was applied by manufacturers to cylinder heads and barrels ? I'm assuming that pre and early war practice was to use stove-enamelling but as the war progressed were alternative finishes adopted...?
The NOS heads and barrels I've had weren't stove enamelled I would say, judging by the relatively short amount of service they had before the rust appeared...At best a high temperature paint I'd have thought...
When rebuilding OHV engines (B33 etc.) I have the barrels and heads satin black powder coated and this looks good and last well...However, on S.V. engines the powder coating cant cope with the higher temperatures and fails rapidly in the hotter areas...For these I still use a hand applied heat proof paint....
Most paints in my experience will fail rapidly if the bike is used in 'wet road' conditions, though they last quite well up to that point...
There is a high temperature powder available now I'm told but I've yet to check out the temperature specs. or to try it on a S.V cylinder or head...It's these that are the toughest test for any surface finish I'd say...
I should note here that on every occasion I paint a cylinder/head I have it blasted to an absolutely clean finish to give any paint used the best possible chance...Ian
A quick look on t'internet indicates high temperature powder coating, which covers more than one process, can withstand temperatures in the range 250-600 C depending on the process employed...At the upper end of this range it is recommended for use on exhaust systems so should withstand S.V. barrel and head temperatures...
I know from previous enquiries standard powder coating is cured at 200C and can withstand 180C in use..
The next thing is to ring my powder coater of choice and see if they can do it....
Of course, none of this bears much relevance to the original question unfortunately!...Ian
Pot belly Black
The stuff you paint wood burning stoves with
Then a little oil after it has fully cured will stop rusting and give your bike the authentic period burning oil sm:smiling_imp: ell.
