Magnesium clutch housing....finish? - Ducati.ms

**TAftonomos** · May 26th, 2010, 10:30 am

Bought a new mag clutch housing. It's got a flat, almost chalky feeling layer on it (chromate?). If I understand mag correctly, this is the protective coating to avoid oxidation.

Can I/should I just paint over the top of this coating? Anything special about cleaning it before hand to make sure the paint sticks?

I'm assuming I wouldn't want to powder coat it...I'm sure they would bead blast off the coating...

btw, it's ~1lb 4 ounces lighter than a stock clutch cover out of aluminum.

J9Fred · May 26th, 2010, 3:50 pm

Take it to a powder coater, he will be able to help you with the finish.

BTW- The last time I had my cover off (stock) it didn't feel like it weighed over 1 pound. Now I'm curious.

Bella749 · May 27th, 2010, 7:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by J9Fred

BTW- The last time I had my cover off (stock) it didn't feel like it weighed over 1 pound. Now I'm curious.

I believe he's referring to the right-side engine cover (clutch case)... not the clutch cover itself.

Damn, 1.25lb difference, that's impressive for a single part of that size. Vented around the clutch area, I presume?

ZDM · May 27th, 2010, 7:37 am

You should feel the magnesium cam covers, headlight bucket, they are so light compared to the aluminum stuff. Ducati Performance states magnesium is 25% lighter than aluminum. I recently bought a vert. cyl. magnesium cover kit and it felt light, like a piece of cardboard. The headlight/fairings stays were incredibly light compared to their aluminum counterparts.
I could feel more heat from the engine after installing the magnesium cam covers (?). Maybe the aluminum counterparts absorb more heat?
If it's ratty looking you can buy magnesium colored spray paint and protective clear coat from ColorRite.

dirkwrong · May 27th, 2010, 7:42 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZDM

You should feel the magnesium cam covers, headlight bucket, they are so light compared to the aluminum stuff. Ducati Performance states magnesium is 25% lighter than aluminum. I recently bought a vert. cyl. magnesium cover kit and it felt light, like a piece of cardboard. The headlight/fairings stays were incredibly light compared to their aluminum counterparts.
I felt like I could feel more heat from the engine after installing the magnesium cam covers (?). Maybe the aluminum counterparts absorb more heat?

The coefficient of thermal conductivity for aluminum is 250 and for magnesium is 156. Copper is 400. A higher value conducts heat faster.

J9Fred · May 27th, 2010, 7:53 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bella749

I believe he's referring to the right-side engine cover (clutch case)... not the clutch cover itself.

Fred- Pay attention!

dirkwrong · May 27th, 2010, 8:02 am

I don't think anyone makes a magnesium clutch cover, only the engine case cover.

ChrisRam · May 28th, 2010, 6:02 am

I know my powder coater doesn't do mag. Take it to a painter.

I have seen these listed as the one you purchased and already clear coated. I have no idea why they are both offered.

ZDM · May 28th, 2010, 7:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirkwright

The coefficient of thermal conductivity for aluminum is 250 and for magnesium is 156. Copper is 400. A higher value conducts heat faster.

Cool stuff! do you work for DOD? Pentagon? my friend lives in Fredricksburg and he works w/ the Aegis missle defensive systems.....everybody that works for DOD, Navy, Army etc lives in Fredricksburg...

dirkwrong · May 28th, 2010, 8:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZDM

Cool stuff! do you work for DOD? Pentagon? my friend lives in Fredricksburg and he works w/ the Aegis missle defensive systems.....everybody that works for DOD, Navy, Army etc lives in Fredricksburg...

No, I'm a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. I work full time at home now.