Welcome to Techlines: June 1999

TLMB

For piston skirts where a long term visible coating is desired.

TLMB has normally been used to build up pistons where a slight over bore exists. However there are two more instances when it can be desirable to use TLMB.

The first is for applications where it is necessary for the coating to be visible for an extended time. While this is primarily a cosmetic effect there are times when the customer does not understand the function of TLML and feels that the normal burnishing of TLML during operation is really a loss of coating. In this case apply one thin coat of TLMB, approximately .0003" to .0005" thick. Then place in your oven at 300f for about 10 minutes. This is called "flashing" and evaporates the solvents. Then top coat with TLML and bake at 300f for 1 hour.

The second application deals with either, engines turning very high RPM's or engines with a long rod, where side loading becomes an issue. In this case proceed as above. After baking and allowing the piston to cool, buff the TLML and then burnish in WSX. This not only changes the appearance, it also increases the lubrication level significantly.

Try WSX over a standard piston coated with TLML. You will like the effect.

Precision Machine Shop

The May/June issue of Precision Machine Shop magazine carries an article on piston skirt coatings. This is a very positive article and can be used to assist customers in seeing the benefits to be obtained from the use of such coatings.

The article does demonstrate the acceptance of coatings by major OEM accounts and further establishes that the benefits claimed, are true.

TECH LINE does receive prominent mention, thus allowing you to use this "endorsement" of skirt coatings as directly applying to the TECH LINE coatings that you offer.

CBC2 AND DIESEL ENGINES

One of our customers, Specialized Technologies in Washington State, has been coating the pistons in diesel engines. The engines built are custom units that have been modified to deliver more horsepower than stock. The power levels are basically doubled.

After one engine had accumulated 250,000 miles the head was removed to inspect the piston tops. The coating was still intact except in a very small area where the fuel hit from the injector. At this point a slight etching occurred from the high-pressure discharge of the injector nozzle. This was the case on all of the engines that have been inspected since coating. The area where the etching occurred is a very small spot that is subject to tremendous pressure focused in a very small area. Other than this small area the coating was intact and showed no damage or loss of adhesion and is expected to last the life of the engine.

The engines that have been coated are Cummins 855/N14 and Cat 3406.

NEW CUSTOMERS

PACESETTER EXHAUST, which has been testing the MCX coating, is now using the coating at their affiliate, I.D.D.E.A. in Guadalajara Mexico.

NEW DFL-1

We are currently testing a new formulation of DFL-1 that makes use of a newly developed filler that has some very interesting properties. The new ingredient provides for a much more durable film, with excellent oil retaining qualities and enhanced wear capabilities. As soon as dyno tests and track testing is completed we will pass on the results.

NOW AVAILABLE

CF85 is the new part number for the fast polish Metallic Ceramic coating. As mentioned in an earlier newsletter this coating does not produce the high gloss/near chrome finish of MCX. It has a nice shinny matte aluminum finish after 2 to 3 minutes in the vibrator. More time will not bring it to a higher polish. The finish directly out of the oven is very nice as it is an aluminum color not the normal "chalk white" appearance of MCX. Salt spray should be very good in the polished form. We will test both polished and unpolished for salt spray/corrosion resistance. If the non-polished finish shows good corrosion resistance, then CF85 could be a very nice coating for production spraying where the matte aluminum finish, without any shine is acceptable.

NEW CATALOG

A new catalog is in production and should be available by October. This will have all the new items in it. No price increase should be seen in our product line.

Send e-mail to the author: Leonard Warren

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