Painting the 6.7 Cummins valve cover is a fundamental skill for many DIY enthusiasts. It not only shows the owner's aesthetic appreciation for their vehicle but also helps protect the surface of the valve cover. However, before painting the 6.7 Cummins valve cover, ensuring that the surface is thoroughly cleaned is one of the key steps. Different types of valve covers require different cleaning methods. Here are some effective methods to clean the 6.7 Cummins valve cover, helping DIY enthusiasts ensure a perfect paint job.
1. How to Clean 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover
The cleanliness of the valve cover before painting directly affects the adhesion of the paint and the final result. The valve cover is exposed to oil, dust, and high temperatures inside the engine for a long period. If these stains are not cleaned properly, they can severely affect the paint's uniformity, causing it to fail to adhere properly or even peel off and discolor. Therefore, thoroughly cleaning the valve cover is a prerequisite for achieving a perfect painting result.
2. DIY Cleaning Steps for 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover
If you're planning to clean the 6.7 Cummins valve cover yourself, here are the steps you should follow:
2.1. Degreasing
First, use a high-efficiency degreaser to clean the surface of the 6.7 Cummins valve cover. This is the most critical first step in the cleaning process, as it removes most of the grease, dirt, and any remaining old paint. It’s best to choose a degreaser specifically designed for automotive parts, as it tends to be more effective.
2.2. Sanding the Valve Cover Surface
Aluminum valve covers usually have an oxidized layer or stubborn stains, so sanding is an important step to improve the paint’s adhesion. Use fine sandpaper (400-600 grit) to gently sand the surface of the valve cover, removing the oxidized layer and dirt. After sanding, the valve cover will become smoother, providing an ideal surface for painting.
2.3. Solvent Wipe Down
After sanding, use a solvent (such as brake cleaner or acetone) to thoroughly wipe down the 6.7 Cummins valve cover, ensuring no dust, oil, or sanding particles are left behind. This step is crucial to ensure the valve cover is completely clean, preventing any impurities from affecting the paint's adhesion.
Once these cleaning steps are complete, the 6.7 Cummins valve cover should be clean and smooth, ready for painting.
3. Cleaning Methods for Different Types of 6.7 Cummins Valve Covers
The material and manufacturing process of the 6.7 Cummins valve cover affect the cleaning method. Common aluminum valve covers come in two types: billet aluminum and cast aluminum, and their surface characteristics influence the cleaning difficulty and approach.
- Billet Aluminum Valve Cover Cleaning
Billet aluminum valve covers are not finely processed, so their surfaces are usually rough and may have oxidation layers, air pockets, or impurities. When cleaning, first use a degreaser to remove oil stains from the surface, then use coarse sandpaper (180 grit) to perform initial sanding, removing the oxidized layer. Next, use finer sandpaper to smooth the surface and finish by wiping it down with a solvent to ensure the surface is clean and free of contamination.
- Cast Aluminum Valve Cover Cleaning
Cast aluminum valve covers, due to the casting process, may have burrs and rough surfaces that require extra care when cleaning. Use a degreaser designed specifically for cast aluminum to remove oil stains and contaminants from the casting process. Then, use rough sandpaper to sand off surface impurities. Finally, wipe the surface with a solvent to ensure there are no remaining stains, providing a clean foundation for painting.
4. Innovative Cleaning Methods: Enhancing the Cleaning Effect of 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover
In addition to traditional degreasing, sanding, and solvent wiping methods, some innovative cleaning techniques can help achieve a better cleaning result.
Propane Torch Cleaning
Using a propane torch is an innovative cleaning method. By carefully moving the flame over the surface of the 6.7 Cummins valve cover, you can effectively burn off oil and dirt. This method is particularly useful for aluminum valve covers, as burning off the oil leaves the surface looking brighter. One car owner shared his experience on Reddit, stating that after using this method, his valve cover surface became very clean and undamaged.
Brake Cleaner and Purple Cleaner Combo
Many car owners recommend using a combination of brake cleaner and purple cleaner to remove stubborn oil stains. Brake cleaner has a strong cleaning effect, while purple cleaner effectively cleans oils and dirt. By combining these two cleaners, owners can clean the valve cover more efficiently in less time. One user said that using this combination made his 6.7 Cummins valve cover extremely clean, and the painting result was also very satisfactory.
Steam Cleaning and Sandblasting
For a more thorough cleaning effect, some car owners suggest sending the valve cover to a professional shop for steam cleaning and sandblasting treatment. This method not only removes oil stains but also clears away all surface impurities, ensuring the 6.7 Cummins valve cover is flawless and perfect for painting. A car owner recommended this method, believing it provides the best surface for painting.
5. Choose SPELAB Custom 6.7 Cummins Valve Covers to Skip the Tedious Cleaning
For those seeking more efficient and professional painting results, choosing the SPELAB custom 6.7 Cummins valve cover is an ideal option. The SPELAB valve covers undergo precise surface treatment, which not only reduces cleaning steps but also provides stronger paint adhesion.
Professional and High Quality
The SPELAB custom 6.7 Cummins valve cover is optimized with fine surface treatment, offering superior paint adhesion, ensuring longer-lasting paint results, and providing a smoother surface for painting.
More Convenient, No Need for DIY
By choosing the SPELAB custom 6.7 Cummins valve cover, owners can skip the tedious cleaning and sanding work. They can directly use the optimized valve cover, making the painting process easier, time-saving, and labor-saving.
Various Paint Colors and Customization Options
SPELAB offers a variety of paint color options and supports personalized customization services, allowing owners to choose the color that best matches their vehicle's style.
6. Conclusion
Whether you choose to clean the 6.7 Cummins valve cover yourself or purchase a SPELAB custom 6.7 Cummins valve cover, the cleaning process is critical. DIY cleaning is perfect for owners who enjoy hands-on work and the process itself, while custom valve covers are ideal for those seeking efficient and professional painting results. By trying innovative cleaning methods, you can ensure the valve cover surface is in perfect condition, guaranteeing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing paint job.
We hope more car owners share their experiences and provide additional tips to help everyone complete their valve cover painting project successfully.
7. FAQ
Q1: How do I clean oil stains from the 6.7 Cummins valve cover?
A1: First, use a degreaser to clean the surface of the valve cover, removing most of the oil stains. Then, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (such as 400-600 grit) to remove stubborn stains. After sanding, wipe the surface thoroughly with a solvent (like acetone or brake cleaner) to ensure no oil or contaminants remain.
Q2: What sandpaper grit should I use when cleaning the 6.7 Cummins valve cover?
A2: It is recommended to use 400-600 grit fine sandpaper for sanding. For aluminum valve covers, start with coarser sandpaper (180 grit) for the initial sanding to remove the oxidation layer and stains, and use finer sandpaper for the finishing touches to ensure the surface is smooth.
Q3: How do I remove the oxidation layer from the 6.7 Cummins valve cover?
A3: The best method to remove the oxidation layer is by using fine sandpaper (such as 400 grit) to gently sand away the oxidized surface. If the oxidation is stubborn, you can also try using a degreaser or a specialized aluminum cleaner to clean the surface, which will enhance the sanding effect.
Q4: Do I need to remove the 6.7 Cummins valve cover for cleaning?
A4: To ensure the best cleaning results, it is recommended to remove the valve cover for cleaning. This allows you to avoid contaminants from the engine interior and ensures you can clean both the inside and outside of the valve cover thoroughly.
Q5: Do I need to use a solvent when cleaning the 6.7 Cummins valve cover?
A5: Yes, using a solvent (such as acetone, brake cleaner, or purple cleaner) is essential for removing sanding dust and any remaining oil. Solvent wiping is an important step to ensure the valve cover surface is free of contaminants, preparing it perfectly for painting.
