[200q20v] valve cover gasket ...questions along the way

[Gene Caldwell]

Phil Rose wrote:
> 
> I'm finally getting around to replacing the valve cover gasket, which I've
> put off for several months.
> 

> 
> (2) Is there a safe,  painless, non-abrasive aluminum cleaner that will
> brighten up the valve cover? I've sprayed the outside of it pretty
> thoroughly with brake cleaner and scrubbed with a cloth. The excess oil and
> dirt are gone, but the cover still has a somewhat dingy look, which I
> suppose is probably unavoidable--given the oxidizing tendency of aluminum
> and the roughness of that casting.
> 

I have seen a 3B that had some sort of ceramic coating applied to both
the intake manifold and the valve cover.  Supposed to repel dirt and
heat very well.  Appearance was similar to polished, but without the
smoothing effect.

-Gene