Engine Powercoat Blisters

[Busaboy]

My engine has "blisters" in the powder coat on the right side of the engine. Some are quite large. When I remove a blister, instead of oxidized aluminum as one would expect I find what looks like a second layer of powder coat or some type of primer. I don't mind that I did not find oxidation but could someone explain what I am finding?

 

[1olbull]

Don't know about the powder coating, but your bolts are rusty!
Are you by the ocean or keep your motor outdoors?

 

[scot in exile]

Looks like a Harley with the rusty bolts, I have a few patches starting on my 2005 rocket nothing as bad as you have, as said where do you park the bike?

 

[Busaboy]

Looks like a Harley with the rusty bolts, I have a few patches starting on my 2005 rocket nothing as bad as you have, as said where do you park the bike?

Of the large amount of bolts on the engine and frame, only a few have rusty heads. I chalk that up to poor incoming quality control or poor choice of vendors by Triumph. Some you can blame on the EPA and EU for banning the metal treatments that used to use like cadmium. For those who would prefer "stainless" hardware, it is one of the least compatible metals for use with aluminum. It also has poor strength and other issues compared to a good quality steel bolt.

The blisters are most likely another issue of quality control. The resin powder or engine block were contaminated prior to the bake. Since there does not seem to be any corrosion under the blisters I don't have any other theorys.

Bike has lived it's life within a few miles of the ocean in a garage. I'm the 3rd owner.

 

[1olbull]

Closed or carport?
Must be the ocean then.
Darn shame at any rate.

 

[Busaboy]

Closed or carport?
Must be the ocean then.
Darn shame at any rate.

Closed. There is zero corrosion under the blisters. There is still a coating protecting the metal. It's like bubbles were within the original powder coat and they expanded over time due to the heat of the engine. I don't think salt has anything to do with it.

 

[Pedro]

You would find that most of the silver engines have the same problem .The silver powder coat was not a good option ,that is more than likely the reason they changed to the black coating

 

[Oldschool]

My bike is parked outside most of the riding season and it doesn't even remotely look like that. Clearly it must be something in the air/location or a issue with materials/treatment. I don't think my whole bike has as much rust as that one bolt has, and I don't clean my bike often.

 

[Pedro]

I think if people speak up a lot of the silver engines have blisters. Not rusty bolts but they two have been upgraded to a new material and finish

 

[Rocket Scientist]

My silver engine has no blisters, but then it's never done an honest days work in it's life !