Powder coating

Ok I've heard all kinds of views on powder coating engines. I need to hear from some one who has actually powder coated jugs, heads and cases. Anyone? Can it successfully be done and will it hold up?

It will hold up. I powder coat. Some say it may not allow the heat to dissipate as easily, I dunno.

I read an interesting article in The Horse a few months back. One of the writers tested 3 scenarios of the same engine. One with bare jugs (my favourite) then painted jugs, then powder coated. He ran the engine at the same speed and load and tested temperatures at the same locations on the engine. His results were interesting. The bare and painted jugs ran at the same temperature (same heat dissipation). The powder coated one ran significantly hotter.
Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just putting out what I read ;-)

YMMV

Last winter I took down my 76 CB550 cracked the case and all. I bead blasted it and powder coated it. I have a few thousand miles on it since I got it back together and it has held up great, even with getting gas on it.

I also have not noticed any heat issues with it.

I'll post a picture if you want to see it once I get home.

One of the issues with powder is that if it does chip it's almost impossible to touch up. There are ways but it would be way easier to touch up paint.

I read the Horse article too. Not exactly full-on science, but enough to keep me from powder coating any heads or cylinders.

Old thread, but new member...

I've powder coated several engines, including one that's on a 1983 CB1100F that I recently finished for myself. With 1500 miles on the engine so far, there have been zero performance or overheating issues. It's by far the best running, most responsive 1100F I've ever ridden.

This topic usually ends up controversial with naysayers assuming that a thicker finish will be trouble. Since I have a stock 1100F with a painted motor, I intend to collect actual data points from various points on the engines taken at various times during the ride. I'll also check oil temps at the same points and report back.

As far as chips and touch-ups go, the same could be said about a PC'd frame, fork legs, or any other part on the bike that's been PC'd. The finish is a lot more durable than paint and will likely end up with fewer chips than paint will over time. Unless it's a giant chip in a glaringly obvious spot, it can be touched up with a matching paint and the only one who will ever notice it will be the owner.