Paint/rust Inhibitor For Heater Parts?

[OdinZ]

Hey guys,

 

I am just after some advice on how I should clean these parts & what I should coat them in?

First one is the metal cover on the heater core (as pictured below). The inside has some surface rust, so I figure I should clean it up, and coat/paint it. my only concern with painting it, as mentioned by my radiator guy, is when it heats up, it will smell quite badly. Any suggestions?

 

The next part, is the heater c0ck/valve. this has rust in a couple of sections where the o-ring (i purchased new ones) need a smooth/clean surface, so I will probably clean up the rust with either a dremel, but thinking I should also paint this, but my worry again is heat, and also the area will be in contact with the coolant, so not sure what would be suitable here. Any ideas?

[Andrew_L26]

Hey, the heater core I believe is actually copper so it shouldn't rust. Would be worth taking it out and giving it a good clean though. As for the valve you're probably best off cleaning it up with a wire wheel. Paint probably won't last too long so perhaps look at getting the part nickel plated or give it a go yourself. May just be easier to buy a new part!

 

Andrew

[Simestime]

I did this recently. I used a wire wheel to clean up,wax n grease remover and then brushed on epoxy enamel. Looks good and epoxy shouldnt smell when hot. (I hope)

[OdinZ]

Hey, the heater core I believe is actually copper so it shouldn't rust. Would be worth taking it out and giving it a good clean though. As for the valve you're probably best off cleaning it up with a wire wheel. Paint probably won't last too long so perhaps look at getting the part nickel plated or give it a go yourself. May just be easier to buy a new part!

 

Andrew

Hey Andrew, i got the Heater core cleaned up and recored, but i am referring to the cover that sits over it on the side.

 

The valve itself is somewhat sealed and has a diaphragm inside with quite a larger opening, so I want to avoid damaging that.

There is one company in the US that sells refurbed ones for around US$240 plus shipping. But you have to send in your heater core from memory. I have seen another member rebuild his but dont think he is active much these days.

[OdinZ]

I did this recently. I used a wire wheel to clean up,wax n grease remover and then brushed on epoxy enamel. Looks good and epoxy shouldnt smell when hot. (I hope)

Well I re-read Sirpent's post from 2011, and from your advice I will give the epoxy enamel a go on the valve. (Obviously didn't read the post properly the first 5 times)

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/6799-air-con-refurbishment-heater-fan-upgrade/