Clean up question H4 mag rebuild

Tom Fleming · Jan 6, 2010

I wanted to ask what you guys have done in the past to clean up distributor caps and coil caps. I can certainly buy new ones, but the originals I have are internally in good condition.......definately lots of life left in them. They both have the IHC logo on them, so I would like to use them.

the problem, is that they are heavily faded and oxidized on the outside. I have considered polishing compound, 400 grit sand paper, or buffing wheel. I also could clean them up and paint them Gloss Black.

Looking for input and feedback what other have done in this situation.

Nebraska Cowman · Jan 6, 2010

I just buff them up a little and leave them gray.

ScottyHOMeY · Jan 6, 2010

Armorall.

Oldiron29 · Jan 6, 2010

Tom, On alot of old tractor, guys just painted right over them and from what I see it never caused any problems. I don't no if it is right! But I think when they have lost there finish you can't bring it back by buffing it. I have cleaned them and sprayed with gloss black paint and they look real good to me. Caps and coils and mag covers. to each his own. oldiron29

Seth Boyer · Jan 6, 2010

I like to just paint them. Hate to admit this but we keep a lot of John Deere muffler paint around the shop and use that. It cover real well and dries very fast. Seems to be very durable too. I just clean up the caps and go over them with some 180 grit and 320 grit to scratch them up some then paint.

rustyfarmall · Jan 6, 2010

I've used #0000 steel wool and some carb cleaner to get the old paint off, and once it is clean, I spray them with satin black. Gloss black is way too shiny, and flat black isn't shiny enough.

Red Dave · Jan 6, 2010

I would not paint magneto caps or distributor caps. They operate at several thousand volts. Paint can crack and get dirt and moisture in the cracks which will conduct electricity and cause you problems.

Nebraska Kirk · Jan 6, 2010

I bead blast the caps to remove old paint, oxidation and dirt. I then spray with a gloss clear coat.

gene bender · Jan 6, 2010

I clean mine up then spray with gloss black works for me.

gene bender · Jan 6, 2010

So what was your problems with painting them or have you done that?

gene bender · Jan 6, 2010

So what was your problems with painting them or have you done that?

Tom Fleming · Jan 6, 2010

Thanks guys, this is the feedback I was looking for. Multiple ideas, and all seem fairly reasonable.

Also, if any of you saw my post about the mag grease, I ended up using Pennzoil multi purpose 705 white grease. I hope it works. my test was to go out to the workshop, and I have 4 different types of grease from old fashioned wheel bearing grease to modern Lithium based waterproof type.

Since it was 10 degrees, I picked the one that was the least thick and setup.......which was the white Pennzoil, stock # 7754.

We will see how it goes......

Brian Schmidt · Jan 6, 2010

I use plastic media in a blast small cabinet. When done they look like brand new and don't need paint.

teddy52food · Jan 6, 2010

Just so it hangs in there when it gets hot.

Tom Fleming · Jan 8, 2010

Well, I tried something different. I put them in the dishwasher. Didn't get rid of the fading, but it sure did clean up the old gunk and dirt. Now they are drying, and the test will be when I put it back on the tractor.

I have heard about the glass or plastic bead blast media. Might give it a try.

Honest answer is they didn't come out too bad just from the dishwasher.......

Clean up question H4 mag rebuild

Tom Fleming

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Nebraska Cowman

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ScottyHOMeY

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Oldiron29

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Seth Boyer

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rustyfarmall

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Red Dave

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Nebraska Kirk

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gene bender

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gene bender

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gene bender

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Tom Fleming

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Brian Schmidt

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teddy52food

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Tom Fleming

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