Heat Exchanger Preservation Options

[jack20]

Hello,
The heat exchangers on my 2.0/4 are original and seem to be solid. Engine is out of the car and I'm finding all kind of projects as a result. I was thinking of removing the exchangers, having them gently media blasted and then paint with some kind of heat resistant paint. Anyone done this? What paint did you use and what is the correct color?
Thanks in advance,
Jack

[914Sixer]

You might think about Jet Hot Coating if you want to go all out. If not Stoddard Porsche Parts has the correct factory color grey/blue in a rattle can $15.

[914Next]

You might think about Jet Hot Coating if you want to go all out. If not Stoddard Porsche Parts has the correct factory color grey/blue in a rattle can $15.

I've been thinking about doing this to mine also but isn't there a good chance that they rust from the inside out due to moisture in the exhaust? Would think Jet hot would do no good in this case.

[Tom_T]

You might think about Jet Hot Coating if you want to go all out. If not Stoddard Porsche Parts has the correct factory color grey/blue in a rattle can $15.

I've been thinking about doing this to mine also but isn't there a good chance that they rust from the inside out due to moisture in the exhaust? Would think Jet hot would do no good in this case.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Jack -

You'll want to pressure check them to make sure there is no leakage from the exhaust pipes into the heat exchanger jacket to prevent CO poisoning BEFORE you spend money on restoring them. If any leakage at all, then probably best to scrap them.

Soda, Walnut or least abrasive blasting means to remove the rust is best, due to the tin metal on them.

As for Mark's/914sixer suggestion - I'm not sure if Stoddard's still has that Wurth Porsche Exhaust Grey paint anymore, cuz Wurth stopped making it for a while. I don't know if they've started it up again.

You can check with Bev or Tom at TC'sGarage.com who are also Wurth dealers now to check if they can get some & the price will probably beat Stoddards (mention me referring you &/or PCA membership for maybe 10-15% discount IIRC) & get a price quote.

Another option is a close grey High Temp exhaust/engine paint from Rustolium, SEM, etc. at the FLAPS, Home Despot, etc. A 3rd option is to get them ceramic coated or high temp PC in a close gray color.

However, get the total cost for any of those you'd consider 1st - then compare with the cost to get a nice used set of SSI stainless steel HEs - or the new ones out again now, since they won't rust again in your lifetime! IIRC SSI sells them in the SF Bay Area, & through Dansk at any Porsche parts house & possibly dealers (check with Sunset Porsche & Suncoast Porsche if they can get them at their usual discount or try the PCA discount at you nearest dealer).

They can also be painted in factory grey if you want that look for originality, but you won't get dinged in any PCA concours for the SS HE's, nor would many or anyone at a multi-marque show even know what was original for the HE's (I know cuz I judge in PCA Zone 8 - one of the toughest).

Whichever will be a great touch on your signal orange beauty! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

PS - I asked the Stoddards folks at the big March LA/OC Porsche Swap Meet a few years back why that Wurth Porsche Exhaust Grey spray paint was no longer on their website (the 356 vintage parts one), & they were going to try to get it back & then contact me, but they never got back nor said they had it or would get it when I followed up within 12 months of them. They may have it since, or found another source?

If so, then maybe Mark/914sixer can post a link to the part for us all.

Check it all out & Good Luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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