Cleaning up rust on motor

[metsfan3197843]

Finished removing the wiring harness off my motor today to get a look at the rust damage from a leaking engine bay hatch. Intake has some pretty good corrosion in the well by the distributor and the port side valve cover is pretty rusty. Not sure how to determine what’s salvageable and what’s not. Thoughts from the experts?

Thanks

 

[tpenfield]

It will be fine. Clean up the rust areas apply rust reformer and then paint.

 

[Scott Danforth]

may need to buy new valve covers. once rust gets into the stamping where its folded on itself, it will continue to rust.

wire-brush the rest, paint and go boating.

 

[scoflaw]

Bead blast, prime and paint. POR engine enamel or you'll be doing it again

 

[metsfan3197843]

Thanks guys. Anybody have a good recommendation for aftermarket valve covers? Quick online search turns up a ton. Just looking for a good fit, don’t need the bling

 

[scoflaw]

Don't buy aftermarket, get some OEM takeoffs

 

[metsfan3197843]

Don't buy aftermarket, get some OEM takeoffs

Was hoping this wouldn’t be the case. Is it a fit issue or a quality issue with the aftermarket covers?

 

[scoflaw]

Avoid anything chrome plated. Nothin special about the OEM's, it's a GM casting

 

[Scott Danforth]

those are stamped GM valve covers

nothing wrong with aftermarket. stick with stamped and painted or with aluminum and paint them.

i would stay away from POR15 products. what once was a good product prior to 2009 is now crap

 

[metsfan3197843]

i would stay away from POR15 products. what once was a good product prior to 2009 is now crap

Any suggestions for paint? Good to know as I had been planning to us the POR-15 engine kit

 

[Scott Danforth]

anything is better than the stock paint

I use rattle can engine paint and then hose the motor down with Boeshield T9 or fluidfilm