Delay in sending newsletter

The delay occurred because our computer acquired a virus that attached itself to any email we sent out. This virus shows up as a second email and has an attachment that says " internet security forum.doc" or words to that effect. If you receive such a message don't open it!

We were able to clean our computer using a free down load from zdnet called "inoculate".

PRI Show

As always the show was a great success. If you have not attended, you need to plan on it.

Of course many of our customers were there, showing their products or displaying their coating service using our products.

We will address some of the more common comments and questions that can help you apply as well as market coatings, in up coming newsletters.

Valve Guide Problems

The performance industry is experiencing certain valve guide related problems on the exhaust guides. The problem leads to damaged cam lobes at start up.

What is occurring, is the valve guide is creating a momentary seizure of the valve stem, leading to cam lobe failure. In extreme instances it causes the valve to break and impact the top of the piston leading to catastrophic failure, that makes it extremely difficult to recognize the source of the original problem. Since the valve stem is so hard it normally doesn't show the

problem and the guide is difficult to inspect as well.

Coating the valve guide with WSX can provide a level of lubrication that could reduce this problem. Once the engine has run for a period of time it seems that the guide is burnished sufficiently to eliminate the problem. The WSX provides a higher level of lubrication that could protect the guide and valve stem during the initial start up.

Of course coating the stem would also be of benefit.

Dyno Test

Check out the web site of BCD Coatings at:

www.bcdcoatings.com
Or
http://headsupreview.com/bclayton102700.html

There is a very good review of a coated engine test that covers not just the H.P./Torque gain but some very interesting observations on tune up changes.

CERMALUBE

I just had the opportunity to inspect CermaLube coated pistons. I was visiting Bud Yancer, at his MACH Development facility in Phoenix, AZ. He had an engine torn down that had been on the dyno through a significant number of pulls. The pistons were out for my inspection and they looked great. The coating while showing a little translucence was like glass in appearance. The coating looked the best of any that I have seen.

PROMOTIONAL PHOTO'S

For those who would like photos of coated parts for advertising , please email your request. We are developing a CD with photo's, that you can use.

MOST COMMON QUESTION
From the PRI Show

How do you apply the coatings?
This question came from both new customers as well as shops that have been using our products.

The main concern seems to be technique. So the following information will give basic directions. You can deviate, but do it this way until you have a good grip on the method. Then you can alter it to fit your needs and circumstances.

1) Pre-clean all parts. Remove all oil, grease, dirt, moisture or other contaminates.

2) Sandblast utilizing 120 grit aluminum oxide or comparable at @40 PSI in a suction type cabinet. You may use 100grit on exhaust parts.

3) Remove from the part all blasting residue or oil from hands if handling the parts. It is best to handle with hooks or clean, cotton gloves. If degreasing after blasting be sure all the solvent is evaporated. Bake for about 10 minutes at 250f to fully evaporate the solvent.

4) Apply the coating. For best results use a gravity feed (top feed) detail touch up type gun with a nozzle size of 1mm or finer. Either standard or HVLP. Apply coatings at 35 to 40PSI for solvent born coatings or 50 to 60 PSI for water born coatings. Film thickness will vary from .0003" to 0015". All coatings should go on with a wet appearance. Multiple coats are not necessary and are wasteful. Coating should be applied in a Spray booth with proper ventilation. Use appropriate chemical respirators when spraying solvent born coatings. When spraying water born coatings it is best to wear a respirator as well to avoid breathing fine particulate matter and mists as some contain a small amount of acid. Always consulate the MSDS

5) Inspect parts for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.

6) For most coatings simply allow 5 to 15 minutes at room temperature for drying. In the case of Cermakrome, in particular, a slight force dry at about 125f may be necessary. All water born coatings need a little heat to accelerate water evaporation on cold days. On humid days it may be necessary to add a little water to Cermakrome before spraying, or use our MCXLH formula.

7) Inspect parts for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.

8) Bake in any oven capable of holding the parts and achieving the range of bake temperatures. Normally baking at temperatures above 500f is not necessary. However acquiring an oven that will reach over 750f can be advantageous in special applications. An upright air circulating oven is best, using either gas or electricity for heating. Do not use an oven for headers, that does not allow the parts to be "hung", as laying down could mark the coatings. Bake time is 1 hour, the time starts when the part(s) reach the bake temperature.

9) After parts cool, Inspect parts for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.
· For Cermakrome it will be necessary to conduct a polishing operation. For best results polish large pieces in a vibratory polisher utilizing Microbright ceramic balls and the appropriate polishing compound.

· Inspect for proper polish and to ascertain that the coating has not delaminated or been polished through.

Basically this is what is needed. This does not mean that refinements cannot be developed after going through an initial learning curve.