sealer on T20 case

[phabib]

I just sandblasted the outside of my T-20 case to get rid of the heavy layer of cruft it had when I got it. It looks so nice now I'm wondering if I should put some sort of protective finish on it before I close it back up. I've got a nice 2 part polyurethane sealer that I could apply. Or I could just leave it alone and figure that since I'm not going to let it sit out in the elements for years it won't get that bad again. I thought of applying a powder coat but all of the masking to keep the holes clear is more than I want to do. What do you think?

[Lantz]

Spray it down with some WD40 and you should be good to go.

[garretttpe]

Alum Prep

In aviation we use Aluminum prep to clean the aluminum part then treat with Iridite or

Aluminate Gold Conversion Coating

this will prevent corrosion build up for the long term

Larry

[phabib]

Thanks. The gold conversion is just the type of thing I was looking for. I wound up going with the clear coat I had though because I didn't have time to track down the product and had the clear coat on hand. Its a lot shinier than I would have liked, but should be tough and long lasting.

[egoperf]

Just keep in mind the tranny gets very hot at times it can reach 300 to 400 degrees.

[phabib]

I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to see how the coating deals with heat. Maybe the best thing would have been a black anodize after the sandblasting. I wonder if some sort of a cooler would help. I was going to go with a synthetic oil that can take heat better anyway, but 400F is really pretty hot for oil.

[Lantz]

The t20 uses ATF dont put oil in it it will delaminate the bands.

[Tomo]

HI
Typically most clear coats will not last eg automotive clears in a tropical lots of sun environment .
Some industrials might last but may be $$$$
The cheapest solution is a Brand VHT engine enamel , colour, aluminum temperature and oil resistant
I have done this to many starter motor and altenator housings after bead blasting
The painted finish of the allu spray is way better than the blasting finish and as good as new finish

tomo

[phabib]

Thanks for the reminder about the oil vs. ATF. I knew that and just wrote oil as kind of a generic shorthand. I was planning on using some Amsoil or Redline ATF. They both claim to hold up better at elevated temperatures and Amsoil says it will also help transmissions run cooler. Redline also makes a limited slip additive that you can add, although the ATF has some already in it.

I'll just have to see how the finish I put on holds up. I'm 1/2 way done with the re-assembly and I'm not ready to take it all back apart to start over. Worst case is the finish burns off and looks like crap. It won't affect the operation so I'll just live with it. Maybe next time I'll anodize or go for that gold coating.