ARE OUR COATINGS FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS?
Tech Line does produce a few coatings available for the DIY market, such as our Engine Builder Kit. Most of our coatings are sold only to professional coating companies, manufacturers, machine shops or professional engine builders.
WHAT PARTS SHOULD BE COATED?
Any part subject to friction, loss of lubricating film, heat damage/heat penetration, corrosion, or abrasion. We make coatings that can improve the performance of nearly every part of a vehicle: engine (internal and external), drivetrain, exhaust, firewall, braking, and wheels.
HOW MUCH POWER WILL I GAIN?
This will depend upon many factors varying from application to application. Dyno testing has shown significant power increases from engines with minimal coatings, such as pistons, valves, and combustion chambers. In addition, certain changes can be made in such areas as tolerances, timing, jetting, and the lubricants used, that will increase torque and horsepower and are only possible using coatings. Horsepower gains of up to 40HP have been measured in independent dyno testing.
HOW LONG WILL THE COATINGS LAST?
We’ve had customers report that their coated exhausted system still looks like new nearly 20 years after application! Part life can be improved from two (2) to ten (10) times what is normally seen. In testing, coatings such as CeramaKromeTM can provide virtual lifetime protection against rust. Dry film lubricant coatings may burnish until they are no longer visible, however, the active materials are bonded into the pores of the part and continue to provide protection.
WILL I SEE A TEMPERATURE CHANGE?
Most coated parts will run cooler for a variety of reasons. Both in testing and reports from customers, we have seen reductions in engine oil and water temperatures. On headers coated with thermal barrier coatings, the radiated heat will be substantially reduced, leading to lower under-hood temperatures and less heat absorption by nearby parts and surfaces. Various tests of parts coated with thermal dispersant coatings have shown a minimum 20% decrease in temperature.
WHAT TUNING CHANGES WILL BE NECESSARY?
The changes necessary will vary from engine to engine and depend on how many/which parts are coated. In general, coating the combustion chamber surfaces will allow you to run less initial timing with no loss of power (usually a gain will occur). You may also be able to run significantly less fuel, due to the more efficient oxidation that occurs with the coated parts. You should be able to run smaller jet sizes. Obviously, no specific recommendations can be made as every engine/combination will be different.
WHY IS BLACK SATIN A BETTER THERMAL BARRIER THAN CERMAKROMETM, SINCE BLACK SHOULD EMIT MORE HEAT THAN A SILVER COATING?
While it is true that black normally is a better color to emit heat, in this instance the color is not as important as the fillers in the coating. These fillers are such effective insulators, that the black color does not affect the function. Interestingly, the silver color of CermaKromeTM or any other metallic ceramic coating comes from the aluminum filler. Aluminum is a very good conductor of heat, yet the effectiveness of these coatings is not degraded.
WHAT ABOUT CLEARANCES?
Dry film lubricant coatings will burnish as they run until they are no longer visible. They are applied at thicknesses ranging from .0005″ to .0015″. However, before assembly the coating may be burnished back to less than .0002″ with gentle buffing using “Scotch-bright” or similar material. NO CHANGES need to be made in clearances due to the use of these coatings, though in many instances because of the reduced part temperature and increased lubrication tighter clearances may be run. All machine work should be done before coating.
WHY DOES USING PKSX ON PISTONS NOT HURT RING SEAL?
The PKSX powder only goes on at about 20 millionths of an inch thick. This does not fill in the cross hatch. In fact, PKSX improves ring break-in, seal, and long-term leak down.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?
In general, we recommend that parts to be coated must be sandblasted at low pressure (40PSI using a suction type blaster) using fine sand (120-grit aluminum oxide is recommended), NOT with glass bead or other soft materials. Glass bead is round, and while it is a good cleaner, it closes the pores of the metal. Fine sand/aluminum oxide blasting material etches and cleans the surface while also opening the pores of the surface, helping the coating bond better. Then the part should be degreased using acetone, lacquer thinner, M.E.K. or similar non-petroleum-based solvent that leaves no residue.
Depending on the coating and the part, an airbrush (not a pin striping airbrush) or detail touch-up gun can be used. For larger applications, an HVLP gun may be used. Water-based coatings spray at 50-60PSI, solvent based coarings at 25-35PSI. Curing may be a ccomplished with any oven that can achieve cure temperature. Kitchen ovens or even toaster ovens will work for many applications. Obviously, the size of the part being coated will determine how large an oven you need. Never use an oven that will be used to prepare food. Some coatings can be cured on the vehicle if the vehicle is in good tune and is done gently.
DOES IT MATTER HOW THICK I PUT THE COATINGS ON?
YES. Unlike paint, these coatings are sensitive to thickness. Generally, .0015″ is the maximum thickness recommended. This thickness will be achieved when a solid color is seen. In general, one solid coat is better than several light coats. Heavy overspray can cause issues. Putting any coating on too thick can cause the coating to crack, flake, or bubble up.
HOW FAR WILL THE COATING GO?
Coverages on the more popular coatings are as follows: ColorGardTM and Ciloxide series (including TurboX and Black Satin): small headers: 4 oz.; medium headers: 6-8 oz; large headers: 10-12 oz. CBC2 and CBX (piston top coatings): 3 oz will cover three sets of small-block V8 pistons. DFL-1/C-Lube: 7 0z. should coat the piston skirts and major internal engine parts of a V8. PKSX requires only a small amount of powder to do all the surfaces in several engines. In all cases, a little goes a long way.
WHAT GUARANTEE IS THERE?
All of our products are guaranteed to be produced as described and in accordance with manufacturing standards. We cannot guarantee the performance of the products as the use, application, and handling of the products is beyond our control.
THIS INFORMATION IS FURNISHED WITHOUT WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, INDUCEMENT, OR LICENSE OF ANY KIND, EXCEPT THAT IT IS ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF TECH LINE COATINGS INDUSTRIES, INC. KNOWLEDGE OR OBTAINED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED BY TECH LINE COATINGS INDUSTRIES, INC. TO BE ACCURATE, AND TECH LINE COATINGS INDUSTRIES, INC. DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OR RELIANCE UPON SAME. BEFORE USING ANY CHEMICAL, READ ITS LABEL, INSTRUCTIONS, AND MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET.