I figured while my transmission and diff were out I'd clean it up and spray it with some high temp paint (silver).

For those that have done this, what is the best way to ensure it's clean and the paint will stick; what cleaning products did you use? I have some simple green as well as basic engine degreaser and brake parts cleaner. I figured I'd be safe using 1500 degree engine paint on this?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

I used a wire brush to scrub most of the dirt and grease off. After that I wiped it down with mineral spirits.

 

Mineral spirits! Great idea, I'll use that. Thank you.

 

If anything you should just clean if off and leave it as is. Putting anything on it will insulate heat. Increase the heat and you bring down the oil's lubrcation capabilities....

 

can you sandblast that stuff or would it start blasting off the aluminum?

 

I've seen people clean and paint these items and have yet to hear complaints from excessive heat.

I see your point, though. However, I believe the increase would be minimal from a simple, single coat.

 

You do not want a sandblaster anywhere near a transmission or differential.
+1.

 

You can also use a solvent like engine bright while scrubbing with the wire brush. It will make things come off a lot easier but its messy.

 

I suppose I'll clean it really well and go from there.

 

I have cleaned and painted all of my driveline components on all three of my cars, won't hurt a thing. When engines are rebuilt most builders offer painted housings for free. I have a temperature probe and gauge on my transmissions - absolutely no problems with heat.


Later

 

I really don't think painting the transmission case will make much difference either. But if you have some before and after data from your probe that would be interesting.
And they typically paint irons, not aluminum housings, during a rebuild.

 

Yes, painting irons is due to the aesthetic standpoint of the irons getting rusty. I agree the increase in heat would be minimal but seriously, who looks down in your tranny tunnel???

 

wondering why half your tunnel is white

 

probably re-painted engine bay..

 

mmm sexyyyyyy.

i will be painting my tranny in the future as well... whats the point? to me, well the car is 16 years old and completely apart... why not give it a little tlc?

 

I used POR15 Marine clean to rinse my diff down, then washed it off and wiped with thinners. I then gave it a couple of coats of Hammerite (not sure if you hguys have it over there?

 

Exactly my thinking, too. I want it to look clean and new.

Tom, any tips on getting the parts clean prior to spraying them?

 

Yes - Go to NAPA auto parts and buy several of the small stainless steel brushes ( they are in the welding department ). They have wooden handles. Also get a good stiff paint brush. Get several gallons of kerosene from the filling station. Take the diff and transmission to a safe spot and place them on a sheet of plywood or something to support them without scratching/dirt.

Remove the three senders, taking note where they go back on each one. Plug the holes with a rag so dirt will not enter.

Pour about a quart of kerosene over the unit. Use the paint brush to work it into the crevices. Use the paint brush as a parts cleaner, brushing kerosene into the greasy spots to loosen them up. Use the small wire brushes on the harder stuff.

Cleaning up the cases to remove all the grease and dirt is time consuming. But well worth it when you are done.


Once all the grease/dirt is off then rinse the unit down with hot soapy water. Dry it off with a shop rag. Look for any spot you missed and hit them with the clean small wire brush. Everything - inside the bell housing, extension fins, bolts, etc should be dry and clean.

Then get the color of your choice ( I painted my trans silver aluminum - Walmart, and my diff cover silver aluminum. The diff case is semi-flat black ).


Dress them up and show them off to us.

And yes...maybe only you will know they are that clean and painted under there, but if you are into the "show and go" as I am, then you'll be proud knowing that you've done it. And someday someone will comment on your detailing .

You saw my trans - here's my diff. All three cars are the same. And they are pushing over 400hp and have not melted down !


LAter

 

Thanks Tom. I've already started cleaning the trans using simple de-greaser and some simple green. I have an old steel wire brush (plastic handle) that I've been using for the tough spots. However, I've noticed that once the de-greaser sits long enough, one can simply use a towel with hand to remove most of the gunk.

I never thought of kerosene... Hmm. I wonder if this can be purchased at a local auto store (Autozone). I need more wire brushes as the one I'm using is just about abused over time. The bristles are not protruding as they were new and it's more of a steel lump.

While doing this, I've also been cleaning up other misc parts. Most of which being the under braces all along the bottom of the car. I'm not going to paint those as the silver under seems to still shine quite well with just applying simple de-greaser on them.

 

Photos.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to remove the fork/throw-out bearing assy. I found two bolts behind the unit, yet I'm not sure if these are the ones needed to remove the entire assy.

As you can see, this is just what I have done so far. I still need to get the underside of the trans as well as in all the small crevices.

 

Looking great so far Rocket...Kerosene is more agressive at removing that grime. But you are doing great. You need a stiff "parts type" brush to get in between those cooling fins on the rear, behind the bolts, ect.

Yes, remove the two 14mm ( I believe ) bolts on the fork and take the fork off. Clean it ( best to replace it with the upgraded version ). They are tight, so be ready.

Later

 

For the trans, I just cleaned it. The only paint was some cold galvanizing stuff on the metal parts.

For the Rear diff I went for the OEM look and used a semi-gloss black enamel.

 

^ Looks good, buddy.

Yeah, I'm actually very impressed how it looks so far after just cleaning it. The silver under the gunk still shines very well. However, I'll make my final judgment to paint it or not once I get it completely cleaned.

Thanks for the input and photos.

 

Great job Spinner !



LAter