Mariocand

The color I used was dupli-color engine enamel in Chrysler Industrial Red from Orielly's. I couldn't find a cheap source of cummins paint locally. I had never used enamel paint before. There is definitely a learning curve to it. Pull any tape seams whike the paint is wet or you will wind up with sloppy lines as the tape will tear instead of releasing. The valve cover came out horrible. On a brighter note, I now have a reason to buy a sandblaster....

What about a light coat of oil? Or do you just put it on there dry?

"I did not use any sealants on the face of the gasket. I highly suggest using RTV or gasket sealant on the mating face of the tappet cover gasket. This will most likely cause issues in the future." Maybe I am too many into this 12 pack, but I can't seem to figure this one.. I will be reassembling my block here in a few days and not sure what your trying to say here. You highly suggest using RTV on the tappet cover seal, but it will cause issues in future?

Some painting pics. Waiting on block to get done at machine shop.....

Right on, I shall be getting new tappets then. Thanks for all the advice and reasons why you answered the way you did.

I am currently in the middle of my rebuild of my 99 cummins. I made one mistake in my disassembly of the block. I forgot to remove the tappets and lay them out in order and with everything else after i removed cam. I spun the block on the stand to work on something else and down fell all 12 tappets onto the garage floor as I am chasing them down before they rolled under bench, cussing my way as I go. Now my question to you guys is this, how important is it for the tappets to go where they where. Everything else is meticulously laid out and my ocd is driving me up the wall about this. Does it matter? I can not see any differance in wear, marks, or with the micrometer between them. This rebuild is a preventive maintenance rebuild and not because it blew up or something like that. 260k on odometer. No wear, just leaky seals.