How to Paint a Valve Cover! (DIY Restoration)

[@Pryzim]

He didn't tell me to put the gasket seal back in so my car blew up

[@mixofgamez1724]

🤣🤣🤣

[@williamborjamancia]

Mine too, i thought it was a useless part :/

[@orphan3919]

Why is KZbin asking me to rate your comment😂

[@stringzzzzz]

Underrated comment ngl

[@anima.7750]

godlike comment

[@BaneGamesOfficial]

Man, after working on cars for so long, I never knew you could just pull the valve cover off. Thanks!

[@j.rjunior5584]

Soo not for soo long?

[@thefinnimo8483]

@@j.rjunior5584 a joke meaning they are not bolted down

[@curbsidetech]

Lol

[@Keyorisho]

Make sure to use the old valve cover gasket and toss the bolts out for easy removal for next time!

[@Jacrazzz]

How did you not know that

[@PaleWhiteMale]

Lol hell yeah them pop off valve covers. I like it 👍

[@R281]

Mine broke

[@Ku4n-]

@@R281 fix it

[@certifiedhater4414]

@@Ku4n- lol

[@kyototomokui6676]

@@Ku4n- Nah, Rod just needs to cope harder.

[@walterhankin46]

@@R281 #valvecoverdelete

[@Redrockcab]

Great way to cover up 500k miles when you want to sell it 😂

[@BG.........]

Bruh...if q dude has a car that clean at 500k, im gonna assume he took good care of it. Of course im still gonna test drive it and look it over and under lol

[@otabekisaqov8688]

Also expensive af

[@hotdogstandman]

@@BG......... Im not

[@zeropointzero]

Pro tip: oven cleaner is an awesome degreaser.

[@li-nr8jq]

THATS FACTSS

[@stephenrobinson1944]

Np2 as well

[@davidpriestley7585]

Stick it in the dishwasher! Just don't let the wife know so late night is advised

[@bergrud]

So is degreaser.? And Its like. Cheaper.

[@ChroniclesofX]

It’s still not a pro tip. Lmfao.

[@bigheead9279]

Instructions unclear forgot to remove bolts. Miata is now upside down and i have a fear of valve covers

[@luisparada4694]

Each brand has its own wait times per brand, read instructions. For valve covers, the more durable for a good price is rustoleum. Check reviews on each can. Also check reviews on the primer of your choice, etc. Suerte

[@ruledbysaturn]

Rustoleum for a valve cover? Mmm I don't think that's correct. I think you would need a high temp paint at least? Ceramic high temp dries fairly quickly and its formulated for that very application.

[@manga1440]

@@ruledbysaturn They have Rustoleum for high temps, generally advertised for grills and radiators, not sure if I would use it on parts for the car though….. 🤔

[@luisparada4694]

@@ruledbysaturn i used rustoleum high temp black on my c10s edelbrock intake manifold. That was 2 years ago and still looks good. I didnt use their primer though because i had seen some reviews of how it peeled with primer only.

[@dominicrichardson5546]

Don't forget to put the gasket back on after, and potentially replace if it's worn

[@andrewwinslow9315]

I forgot to put mine on, now I have a new engine

[@JohnWiku]

​@@andrewwinslow9315 hopefully it came with new gaskets

[@jasonpoole5059]

Earplugs is a GREAT shout for masking off holes and threads! Genius!

[@finnthehuman5260]

Bro you can just use diluted sulfuric acid on aluminum. It reacts with the metal and you can just hose it off leaving it looking brand new.

[@Subaruktm]

Not too much agressiv chemical?

[@demiosvibes1530]

@@Subaruktm he said diluted

[@keithboone4800]

Wear gloves when using degreaser

[@sk8punk318]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@Jdawg_357]

And dont let it run into the environment hahah

[@ANormalLemon]

ye I was thinking the same, can't you like get fined for putting toxic chemicals into drains and sewers?

[@Will-mk5pj]

Yeah… I saw that and the first thing that went through my head was “I’m not even anywhere close to an expert but… shouldn’t you wear gloves when going near degreaser?”

[@mmmmmthai]

You are telling me that spraying my hands with the brake cleaner after an oil change is something I shouldn't do? But it works so good

[@erinralston]

I just want to say I appreciate you painting that a neutral color instead of something wild. KZbin is flooded with color matched engine bays, it's nice to see something that just looks... nice.

[@sindicta5757]

Haha the top comment is someone crying that it isn't red

[@keeganfaulkner1240]

@@sindicta5757 I mean I can get behind a nice cherry red cover to match the car. But as a Subaru owner as long as it looks nice and the owner likes it it can be any color they want lol. The grey is a nice choice for this car

[@raidzeromatt]

​@@sindicta5757Both are cool Just seems like a lot of work to not bother color matching it

[@Whackfear]

Addendum: wear PPE, gloves, eye lung protection are most important. You only have two of hands, eyes and lungs, can't afford to lose one. Also, if you specifically mention "put old gasket aside" you HAVE to mention to REPLACE the gasket with a new one.

[@versacecondoms1501]

* replace valve cover with some sort of cover while you’re painting *

[@kyototomokui6676]

Or just don’t use the car while you’re painting.

[@versacecondoms1501]

@@kyototomokui6676 it’s for whatever the wind might carry. a couple rags would do. even just shutting the hood is fine

[@kyototomokui6676]

@@versacecondoms1501 Fair enough.

[@naruinoiscanoninanalternat2947]

Remember to use the dealer recommended torque specs on the valve cover bolts when you put it all back together 🌚 you do not want to over tighten them

[@Tyler_Adhikari]

Hey bro genuine question Is this torque spec thingy actuals real or is it just a meme ?

[@naruinoiscanoninanalternat2947]

@@Tyler_Adhikari very real. over tightening runs the risk of cracking/warping the valve cover, as well as crushing the gasket and making an imperfect seal. Lots of mechanics generally tighten by feel from their experience (which is usually fine) but really just play it safe and always look up torque specs when dealing with critical parts.

[@rskat501]

With the valve cover I do not think it is such a big deal since the bolts themselves have gasket seals on them. Just hand tighten, then snug down and it should be good.

[@Ghostburn70]

Aww man I wonder how many teenagers will be on the side of the road after doing this 😂

[@matthewmorgan582]

A valve cover isn't gonna break your car it'll leak oil but unless you drop a bolt in there it won't suddenly Michael Bay your car.

[@willow5204]

If u own a Miata long enough u gotta do the valve cover gasket anyway, it's a major reason some cars leak oil and it's super easy to do, just make sure you're torquing the bolts right and there's really nothing to it. Id say replacing the valve cover gasket is about as easy as an oil change on the Miata.

[@johncuervo3019]

@@matthewmorgan582 so they could run the car low on oil and blow it up? Because the valve cover leaked?

[@AidansCars]

@@willow5204 no, easier, and dont torque old bolts, that's a recipe for broken bolts and cross threaded screws.

[@matthewmorgan582]

@@johncuervo3019 even if they never put the gasket back on it'll burn oil and smoke in the engine bay so they'll freak out pop the hood and see it's the valve cover. Happened to me once it's easy to spot.

[@NthnLikeCodeine]

Finally someone that has a red Miata and doesn’t paint the cover red

[@orphanslayer6774]

Don't forget to paint the bottom part too it'll help the valve perform smoothly because of the new smooth surface of paint, also make sure to paint the gasket as well since an extra layer of paint could help tighten it connections and improve its sealing effects

[@Burn_pits]

Come on man if you’re gonna do all that work, at least give yourself cool letters and numbers. My buddy let his daughter paint the letters and numbers on his valve cover. Then we did another work over on his play car and we found high temp pants for her to draw a little scene on his valve cover. It’s really cool and we ended up making a clear valve cover so people can see her a little interpretation of what the car means to her. It was really cool.

[@YuckFou0x0FFFF]

Or you could just shut the hood, problem solved. You're welcome 😁

[@tuahdanish1]

what's the point of not enjoying life😁

[@michaelenglund]

@@tuahdanish1 Not to fix those things gives me more time to enjoy life 😎

[@tuahdanish1]

@@michaelenglund but did you?

[@michaelenglund]

@@tuahdanish1 Yes. Among other things to watch during vacation low times.

[@justken5]

🤓

[@bored2323]

Fun Fact - If you use VHT paint you don’t need to use primer - it’s cheaper and faster

[@88kwthomas]

VHT is garbage

[@dfrenchorn]

THIS is why I love the NA! It just LENDS its self to DIY and modding!

[@gabriel_ang_]

Instructions weren’t clear I took it off while the car was running, I’m dead

[@championxxlNL]

If your valve cover has an oil baffle be careful that no dirt gets underneath there when cleaning and scrubbing the cover, you need to drill out the baffle to clean it or all that dirt will destroy your engine

[@ProjectWrx]

Make sure to scuff your primer, it’s not sealer!

[@johngate4715]

what do you mean?

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Fuck that looks so tidy. I know it's a simple process and some elbow grease but it makes such a huge difference.

[@Crackatit]

A1+ on instructions! Love it

[@tomb9050]

Let us know how it goes!

[@kieren7763]

Step 1 =degreaser soak and scrub Step 2=pressure washer Step 3= aluminium brightener Step 4=paint

[@c0nstantin86]

"Spray one coat / wait 10 min / spray one coat... etc" NOOOOH! YOU GRIND! AND THEN YOU SAND! UNTIL YOU SEE YOUR OWN REFLECTION!!! THERE IS IMPURITY UNDERNEATH YOUR COATS!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@TeakKey7]

Isn’t that kind of what primer is for?

[@mattteekel8237]

Wow. You must paint a lot

[@VictorNUribe]

Excellent explanation when using aresol paint.

[@Kassiant]

Don’t wait a whole day to remove masking tape, this could lead to excess peeling/cracking I’d say 6-12hrs is more than enough

[@jamesolelo4406]

If you use blue or green then this shouldn't be an issue

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Left off the last 2 steps.... 600 grit or higher on a block and sand yhe raised letter to a nice shine. Then hit the entire cover with gloss (or your pref of sheen) clear coat. And viola, you added more protection with the clear and tricked it out with the shiny raised letters that won't dull Over time . Cheers

[@mamad021nobar]

Q: where is your accent from? I kinda like it

[@mayday4599]

sounds germanic/british

[@jsav6058]

I think its south african, I could be tripping tho

[@tfcbhop5284]

@@mayday4599 ye sound german to me

[@thatguycarmine1]

Sounds like mental disability to me

[@jsav6058]

@@hugemate Nah (no offence intended) but theyre pretty similar to aussies in their accent.

[@Svendrys]

One of few people who didn't use WRINKLE RED paint :D

[@Will-us2bz]

What song is that you use in the background?? It slaps!!

[@daan.g-designer-9009]

Do you already know?

[@savethemanuals3795]

I'm replying in case someone says it

[@yianni3251]

Looks great! Well done!

[@anthonymorris8891]

Word to the wise, paint is one of those products you get what you pay for.

[@downtoearthconstruction7768]

Use etching primer on aluminum and preheat the surface for aluminum is very porous and traps moisture, oven cleaner works great for stripping anything off aluminum including anodized finishes.

[@William.Torres]

You should put a watermark on your vids, especially on your yt shorts. I've seen your videos on other channels which don't look like they've asked for your permission.

[@ddddur]

thank god you got your channel back

[@mexicanic4976]

😂😂😂 just bring the natural colors back. No need for the extra steps!!

[@jamesolelo4406]

They would have dry ice cleaned it if that was the goal

[@mexicanic4976]

@@jamesolelo4406 nah, just degrease it and spray it with acid. Let it sit for a minute and pressure wash it, they come our looking great. No ice drying involved 👍

[@jamesolelo4406]

@@mexicanic4976 well I'm cleaning alot more than one piece at a time and don't want to take everything apart lol

[@beezowdoodoozoppitybopbopb9488]

That's cleeeeeeeeeeeeeean boy! Love it. I'm glad you didnt paint it red like the other guy said. I like a bay that looks fresh and factory rather than all kinds of messed with.

[@Tripleedge503]

First pull it up and off European owners : 😢

[@bananajoe4203]

Honestly it looked good with just the cleaning I like the natural worn metal look

[@HEXAN-SC]

the NA and NB miatas valve cover is the most horrendous design i have EVER had the DISPLEASURE TO WORK ON, props to you for getting it off

[@Adam-im4hm]

If your valve cover is aluminum make sure you use the correct primer for aluminum. Also high heat primer and paint probably isn't needed for that valve cover and if you don't heat up high temp paint hot enough to cure the paint will fail in short order.

[@matthewmonell6234]

I took auto body and this dude did a really good job on painting

[@MNightShamalamadingdong]

I was waiting for him to clean the engine with the peppers

[@thenorthernhandyman]

Heat the paint in warm water bath. Around 50°C is great for lowering the viscosity.

[@crippledbeast_U-toob]

One of my favorite hobbies, making car and truck parts look badass with cheap ass products.

[@59wooly32]

Use distilled water only on any metal components in your vehicle

[@elijahbarnes1110]

That came out way better than I was expecting. Hell ya man. Keep up the videos brother

[@cang1920]

I need more shorts like this to keep me motivated

[@jlc5639]

That looks freakin sweet

[@SnowColdGarage]

I would definitely give the both the primers and the colors more time to fully dry if you don't wait enough in between coats and you do too many coats you'll get bubbling/orange peeling/flaking or of course running. My advice would be late at least 1 hour between primer coats and 2 to 3 hours between color coats. And I'm not saying he did it wrong or bad or anything it did turn out nice for him, but factors like humidity and temperature and if you're doing it inside or outside matter. So I'm just giving a basic guideline. And just giving my two cents not meaning any harm 🙂👍

[@quandaliusfandangelton8123]

Cleanest NA I’ve seen in years

[@elijahcalvert1551]

Ear plugs for smaller openings is honestly genius

[@tonyfraire6975]

You can also mask the lettering after priming if you want it to stand out or paint it a different color

[@curzed69]

1st coat would be light, 2nd coat should be heavier than the first coat, then a light coat for the 3rd coat. This helps to prevent orange peel

[@Ryanm13988]

2 things. this guy didnt put on a clear coat. that may have been because the type of paint he used didnt need one but most paints will need you to put a clear coat after the colour coat. also when the paint is drying, you may want to put a cover over it like a plastic tub to stop any dust or debris from falling onto the paint

[@masjuggalo]

Remove valve cover. Clean up all the corrosion with a brass wire wheel. Don't worry about taping all the little holes. Just shove something in the hole for the oil fill put two or three coats of wrinkle black on it. Let it dry and then carefully sand off where it says Mazda and such. Stick it back on there and it looks better

[@jamesgravel7755]

Looks great. But there is no need to wait ten minutes in between coats. First light coat. Wait about 2-3 minutes. Then lay on a full even cover coat and wait at least 20 mins. Check it out. If you have uneven results you can put another coat. But it doesn’t have to be that time consuming. Good job thou. Looks professional.

[@DracolegacyOfficial]

nicely done, an accent color on the lettering wouldve set it off perfectly.

[@raccpootonsuijuris6949]

Always replace old gaskets. If you are doing this, you are running an older unit. These gaskets require replacement due to age/wear. $12~$30. Less chance for oil leak.

[@RCDUDEZ1]

Been looking all over for a quick release Valve cover, I have quick release pistons and belts but the Valve cover that is something I want

[@dmon2479]

Same, the market for quick release transmissions and drive shafts are so extremely rare too. Good luck in your search.

[@Greeko_Poloz]

Looks great man.

[@dirtmcgirt0420]

Simple green works amazing on aluminum.

[@BartholomewJenkins69420]

spray paint done properly looks dope

[@JustinShepard00]

I really appreciate you not making it a crazy color

[@jonathanraffaele]

I really appreciate the light coats of pain/primer. I frown a little when I see people just go ham with the paint can and try to do it all in one sitting. Multiple light coats and better than one heavy coat.

[@donchino1612]

Makes sure you lightly sand or scuff the primer afterwards and then clean before you apply base coat

[@frankiemadrid788]

Wow he literally read the instructions on the can lol

[@JasonJuniorGaming]

Bros tryna be chrisfix, respect. Good job bro keep it up!

[@sarwan6668]

No rubbing alcohol! It just spreads waxy and greasy substances it can cause lifting! Use a proper degreaser like purple power or automotive wax and grease remover!

[@alinas2604]

Nice Job Dude !!!

[@MDigitalProductions]

The earplugs as a masker is clever to me

[@John--cu2yu]

Use self etching primer otherwise it will have no longevity, the best stuff is alloy wheel paint as it’s high temp rated and self etching for painting alloy metals

[@misterbulger]

Take a file over the tops of the lettering and it will look amazing

[@186scott]

If you want to paint your valve cover what ever color you want use VHT primer then once you have sprayed it and it has dried then use the color of your choice spray it then onces that has dried then spray with VHT clear coat

[@XscottyyProductions]

Pull off the masking while the paint is still drying, the paint still has some stretch while it is wet/tacky and is less likely to crack/tear etc when you pull the masking off

[@AdamNZ]

Vapour blasting would make it look even better.

[@QkjajshsjajaCcccc]

Bottom side of that valve cover looks clean asf!!! No burning issues.

[@tylerkammerer4932]

The ear plug trick is an awesome idea

[@musewolfman]

another cool thing you can do is sand the paint back off the top of the casting letters, and let the bare aluminum show through. the more time you want to put into this process, the shinier you can get them.

[@coconut_in_a_suit975]

1. Why paint silver when you can polish? 2. Remove your masking immediately after spraying your last coat. You can peel paint accidentally if you wait for it to dry

[@tukangiseng]

If it's aluminium, boil it with vinegar or citric acid solution. Itll be almost as if you sandblasted it

[@propermods2849]

For what it's worth you can save loads buy buying a variety sand paper pack, sanding to a nice aluminum finish and clear coating it. In my experience all those paint steps will cost a bit more and are easier to screw up. Nice video tho!

[@tripwire3992]

Use a heat gun on the can to increase the pressure and gain a superior coverage. Obviously don’t keep it too like because it will explode and don’t heat the plastic nozzle as it will stop the flow

[@warwombat_]

Nothing more satisfying than opening the hood and seeing a nice clean engine bay

[@justicemcdonald2939]

Take a flat file to the lettering just a couple of swipes to clean the paint off and bring the metal bright

[@tedivuki69]

this is how everything should be explained to people that are trying something for the first time 😂

[@sebastianb5997]

I woulda sanded down the Mazda badge so it’s a polished/shiny brushed look then lay some clear coat so it looks good

[@awkwardemperor]

This looks so clean, well done!

[@benjaminlorenz2181]

Well, i've been driven my cars always with closed hoods. And i never had problems with "bad" looking motor parts during that. The time i saved by leaving it as it is and keep the hood closed while driving, at home or at the supermarked i used to go for a walk into the forest to see something really nice.

[@mvelomthethwa880]

That makes car faster

[@G0neguy]

"How to make something look better" ...."clean it"...fucking genius

[@dustin3263]

Just to go the extra mile paint just the letters white let dry then mask them off with tape then put your desired coat of paint. Then remove tape and it looks just that much better

[@WendysAnime]

Ear plug thing is big smart

[@frydayeveryday]

More. Need more content like this

[@freddy790]

Next try spraying something very flammable on the valve cover. F N genius.