How Long Do Internal Coatings last?

This is a question that comes up regularly. I will let a customer Wayne A. F from Ft. Lauderdale, FL answer.

Wayne called to tell us that he purchased coatings in January of 1997, to apply himself. The machine shop he uses laughed when he said he would do it himself. They felt it would not stay on. Wayne tells us that he previously had sent parts off to another company (who does not use Tech Line products) and when cleaning them prior to assembly, the "other" company's coatings came off.

Understandably a level of skepticism would be natural. Wayne just tore his engine down, after 4 years of use, and the coatings are
still there.

GLOSS BLACK

There are two ways of producing a gloss black finish. The first is to use HHBK as a base. Bake at 500f then top-coat with Black Satin and let dry a little. Then mix @25% Black satin with @75% HHC and spray over the UNCURRED Black Satin. Then bake. This should give a nice finish. You can vary the ratio to achieve the finish you desire. DO NOT apply a second coat of the mix on after curing or it will not stick.

The second method is to use WBX as a base coat, cure at 500f then apply CermaClear. CermaClear requires a one hour blend (slow blend) then apply as one thin coat over WBX. WBX must be sealed before applying CermaClear. If it is coated, dried and baked properly it will have a good seal. If it shows any porosity, as indicated by a flat black or mottled appearance, or to be sure of the seal, place in a vibratory polisher, with Micro Bright for about 3 minutes. Dry and coat with CermaClear. Allow CermaClear to sit out at least 8 hours then bake at 200f for one hour. We have tested this method on our test engine and had no discoloration or change in gloss with EGT's over 1400f.

CERMALUBE

From Doug at
Process Coatings

Doug tells us that after coating a ring and pinion with CermaLube that the operating temperature dropped 20F. This is a direct result of friction reduction. When we consider that at the ring and pinion one of the highest points of friction and load in the driveline exist, this friction reduction can represent a significant increase in rear wheel H.P. In addition a lighter weight lube such as Ultra X can be used which further reduces drag.

Summer Doldrums

Generally summer is the slowest time of the year for coatings. While a few shops have reported a drop in activity, these have mainly been in Northern California. Even here business is up significantly over last year. In one case nearly 50% more business through the door than in the same month last year. Whatever problems the stock market may have it does not seem to be having much of am impact on the performance industry. At least not among our customers.

Magazine Article

Don of Replika Maschinen

The September issue of Motorcross Action has an excellent story, written by Don. While Tech Line is not mentioned by name, coatings get a very good review.

CermaWhite

Just had the opportunity to see our new CermaWhite on a Cobra at a car show in Lake Elsinore California. The coating looked great. Olympic Coatings of Escondido Calif applied the coating.

Send e-mail to the editor: Leonard Warren