engine/head paint

[Jaime Pertuz]

Listers, Got some more ??'s of likely interest to many DIY-ers: Has anyone ever repainted their KLR's cylinder head?? Live and learn....while I was prepping my head to send out of state for some serious work I soaked it in some heavy duty parts cleaner. The ports got pretty well decarbonized but alas, the paint came off as well. 1. So....are there any reasons (rust protection for ex.) other than cosmetic for paint on the head, or the engine in general for that matter? 2. Regardless of above, what method (s) are best to use? I was about to have my head powder coated, but then I read on a web site-- http://www.execpc.com/~davewrit/Powder.html (section titled "To coat or not to coat") --that cylinder heads should not be powder coated because the high curing temperatures (350-450 degrees for 15-20 minutes) create the risk of warpage. Other sites however, offer the service on many parts including cylinder heads without any such mention. 3. Any metallurgists out there know what type of metal (aluminum?? Which alloy number ? the head and engine casings are made of and its thermal stress properties? 4. Does anyone know the process the factory uses and whether it's available commercially? 5. Lastly, has anyone had any success with DIY spray paint (VHT, Krylon etc.) ? I've used it on other projects in the past and wasn't very pleased, though it's possible (not probable) I didn't do it right. Again, thanks to any and all for whatever help Jaime in Minnesota