Paint is usually used either for appearance of protection. I'm stripping the black paint off my valve covers, and the original intention was just to paint them black again. But...I'm somewhat tempted just to polish them instead.

Comments?

Thanks,

John
1987 XJS V12, 62,000 miles

 

i think its protection and ease of maintenance. The old XK6 engine looks fantastic but you have to keep it clean!

This is all but impossible with a huge intake plenum stretching overtop the valve covers.
If you were to do this it would be a good idea to use all-purpose or aluminum wheel cleaner on the covers once a month or so to keep them clean.

The average owner never would have cared to tend to this so i am assuming that is why it was painting black.

 

Agreed.

Polished looks SOOOOO nice, but maintaining is a major pain, and the V12 makes it easy, NOT.

I considered it a long time ago, but basic black heat proof Semi-Gloss was the end finish, never regretted it in the end.

 

It makes sense that whether the valve covers are painted or not they will be just as dirty as the other. But, the smoother the finish the easier it will be to clean so POLISH up those covers and periodically get your paper towel out and clean em off. After all, don't we just love cleaning things that will shine? And, won't that motor look gooooooood! Bud