00 BMW 540 Valve Covers

[Guest]

Has any one had any dealing with the BMW 4.4 valve covers? The first customer I had with the from HELL wheels wants his covers done and not real sure what the are made of? I guess cast aluminum unless they are maginism?

What you got for an answer?

[Guest]

Re: 00 BMW 540 Valve Covers

As has been posted before, use a little vinegar (a few drops) on the part. If you get a reaction = magnesium, no reaction = aluminum.

Thanks I will keep that in print for testing. From what I think I have found out is they are cast? But sent an email to a coater in NJ to see what he says on a set he did. But some coaters want tell you crap but some will help you out. I guess I will see what he says if he answers I guess if not I did more and see what I can find!

We are in a hell of a business aren't we

Like what the heck is is made of and then when we think its ok the part and the heat says NO to powder in a heart beat. Glad I can also do painting and sure helps when all else fails like with the Hatteras boat hatch. It got done and I got paid so better than nothing for sure

[baz]

Re: 00 BMW 540 Valve Covers

As has been posted before, use a little vinegar (a few drops) on the part. If you get a reaction = magnesium, no reaction = aluminum.

Thanks I will keep that in print for testing. From what I think I have found out is they are cast? But sent an email to a coater in NJ to see what he says on a set he did. But some coaters want tell you crap but some will help you out. I guess I will see what he says if he answers I guess if not I did more and see what I can find!

We are in a hell of a business aren't we

Like what the heck is is made of and then when we think its ok the part and the heat says NO to powder in a heart beat. Glad I can also do painting and sure helps when all else fails like with the Hatteras boat hatch. It got done and I got paid so better than nothing for sure

so what s the difference if it s magnesium , you can coat it just the same just try to keep the cure cycle bit lower like 365

[Guest]

Re: 00 BMW 540 Valve Covers

so what s the difference if it s magnesium , you can coat it just the same just try to keep the cure cycle bit lower like 365

Have you ever powder coated magnesium using this technique? What kind of results did you get?

[Guest]

Re: 00 BMW 540 Valve Covers

I found this on Caswell that might me worth saving? Looks like the stuff could also really be an outgasser ? And might not take to heat to over heat it to help on the gassing problem. I guess also it all depends on what the make up is. The guy on the bimmer forum that had a set done like the one I am asking about had a link to the coater in NJ that did his. The coater TRG coatings wrote me back and said check out the forums for an answer? I replied back that I was doing that.

But here is the info.

uh, baz seems to have an important point (just did a quick search and posting what i found... didn't read the whole article http://www.keytometals.com/Article45.htm):

Depending upon the composition, magnesium alloys begin to melt at a temperature in the range of about 685 to 1200F (360 to 650C). The common alloys begin to soften and weaken appreciably on exposure to temperatures as low as 200F (95C). However, some special compositions have been recently developed which maintain yield and tensile strength quite well at temperatures up to 400F (205C) or higher.

The usual commercial magnesium alloys of the aluminum-zinc (manganese) type are relatively stable up to about 300F (150C) and may be used for some applications below that temperature. Solution heat-treated castings and hard-rolled sheet in the usual alloys are unstable above 300F (150C) and are not suitable for use at elevated temperatures.
__________________
Len
Figure Engineering, LLC

This also interesting for future use as for as prepping. Not real sure what type of powder was used? http://www.powdercoatedtough.org/media/ ... growth.htm

I will keep looking and post what I find latter I guess?