Question/Help on ASCO powdercoat job
 

I took my engine sheet metal, fan, and alternator housing in to ASCO to be powdercoated the other day. The young lady at the desk seemed to know what she was doing and even commented on how much Pcar work they had been getting. I asked her to show me what they would not coat and she said what I expected, that they would not coat 1) the front of the fan surface that the belt ran on, 2) the back of the alternator housing that the alternator fits into (tightly), and 3 ( the inside of the shaft opening on the fan. All of this was obvious to me but I wanted to make sure they knew it too. I let feeling like I was in good hands.

So..... Friday I go to pick up my parts. Guess what three areas they coated? :shock:

Yes all three of the above.

They did a wonderful job on the back of the alternator housing mating surface and even got coating into the shaft opening on the fan. When I showed it to them they agreed that they shouldn't have done that and said they would take it off. (I hope thay can do it well). However, they said that they always powdercoat the full surface of the front of the fan. From those who have had this done... is this true? I am concerned because this surface needs a certain amount of friction to operate properly and I'm worried that the coating will not operate well or will wear unevenly. :shock: But I will not say there is a problem if indeed it has been OK in the past. (Help :? )

At this point I am not thrilled with what they did but if they fix the problems I will be happy with the result. It does look good. :D

Thanks.

I was impressed with your first para, because it indicated that AASCO had learned a lot about Pcar specifics since they did my stuff back in 2002. Back then I had to specifically mark and mask the areas I did not want them to coat. Sounds like they have [the front desk knew the right stuff], but the word has not made it to the workers yet! They should make it right.

The net is that the coating can be removed from where it should not be, particularly in the seating area for the alternator. Believe me, the alternator will not fit if there is any residual coating in that area.

Its perfectly OK to have the entire blade surfaces coated. In fact, that's the best way to do it. The aerodynamic efficiency of the fan is improved if anything by the reduced drag of the smoother surface. One thing to watch out for is the clearance between the outer edges of the fan and the shroud. If both are coated, the cumulative reduction in clearance can cause problems. Best bet it to carefully file off around 0.5mm from the outer edge of each blade before coating. This ensures that the clearance is OK after coating.

And make sure you balance the fan after you are done.

Correct. Its a simple process, but very important. These fans rev in the high teens.

i would like to comment on my VERY GOOD experience with ASCO. monday, i took my type IV engine sheet metal to be powdercoated. basically, they'd seen it before; someone brings in all their old, dirty, oily sheet metal in a box. the very nice lady who took my order was familiar with the drill. price was less than i was expecting (why didn't i do this before!) and turn around time was estimated to be within 2 weeks (said 7-10 days but put in a little extra cushion time) which is OK w/me.

dave o: on the counter, i saw a 911 engine fan in metallic blue, alternator shroud and band. was that yours?

Dave,
My experience with ASCO is from 2002 - a bit dated perhaps, but they had a price list for all the motor components and previous customer's work. The pieces were all done properly with threads masked. I had several color schemes and was skeptical with box o stuff I dropped with the counter helper, but it turned out perfect. Glad to hear they will re-do your pieces.

Best
John

Thanks for the posts. I was not clear on the part of the fan I am concerned about. I did not expect them to powdercoat the front of the fan where the belt rides on it (the blades are done beautifully, and I did presand the tips down). Is it OK for the belt to ride on a powdercoated surface?

BTW, yes it was my fan, strap, and housing that was on the table last Monday.

Just about to get mine done, just the shroud and fan, can't get the strap out!! Does anyone do the outside of the pulley? Could someone give a breakdown on costs??
Thanks
Dirk

DaveO, they PC'd the front pully portion of my fan as well. I've had no issues with uneven wear. The PC actually wore off that portion in about a week. No drama to tell. I'm glad to hear they admitted to, and are going to fix their screw up. They still get a thumbs up in my book.

Dirk here are the prices for the work they did for me about a year ago.

Fan- $30
Fan housing- $50
Valve covers- $20 ea.
Engine sheet metal- (18 pieces) $171
Rear motor mount- $25

They have a million color samples on the wall to choose from. they do clear as well.

On a side note. They PC'd the tips of my fan also. I had no clearance issues, and didn't need to do any sanding of the outer edges.

Thanks 'pipes" that is what I thought.Having the blades shaved off .5mm as Tony suggested as mine seems a very tight fit, and to make sure the Alternator fit is kept clear. Prices are where I thought I saw them some time ago.
Dirk