Fuel Injection Pump Plating
ITS aBOUT MORE THAN LOOKS
Incorrect material or low quality plating definitely looks bad to those with a keen eye, but we don't do our own plating simply for looks. It's about protection.
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From black oxide to yellow zinc, different materials were used for different reasons, but the main purpose of plating is protecting the metal from rust, corrosion and other wear that occurs over years, if not decades, of use. Though many shops say they fully restore their fuel injection pumps, from our experience they typically fall at least a few steps short, if not outright providing you with more issues than answers.
You may wonder why we spend so much time on plating if other shops don't seem to think it's necessary. While you may not see your fuel injection pump outside the vehicle often, if at all, plating is not just about winning a beauty contest, it's part of what makes Black Forest unique. We not only provide you with historically accurate pumps that look fresh off the assembly line but they're built to last as long as your other components.
Plating is essential to preventing rust and corrosion and like any other part of your vehicle, skipping steps in a restoration will only lead to more problems down the road. Each pump you see here, along with many more, only function as well as they're upkeep allows, and skipping something like plating just means you'll be back in the shop sooner rather than later.
Black oxide is the earliest form of plating we do and can be found on early 2-plunger pumps featured in W111 and W128s, R3's used in the famed W198 300SL, and R9/22's which can be found in the W189 Adenauers. It is identifiable by its black, matte finish and provides adequate protection, though not quite as durable as later zinc plating.
Yellow zinc is the most common plating we do and can be found on pretty much every pump other than the ones mentioned above. Defined by its iridescent yellow color, yellow zinc is the most protective plating we do in-house and is used for everything from the thermostat housing to the altitude capsule and air filter, both of which we replace for every restoration and even require replating despite coming directly from the factory. Check out more on our air filter replating process at the bottom of the page.
The third type of plating we use is called bright zinc and has a silver finish in comparison to the yellow zinc. Though more protective than black oxide, bright zinc was developed before yellow zinc and use was determined by the manufacturers supplying parts to Bosch. Our pumps typically feature a combination of black oxide and bright zinc, or yellow zinc and bright zinc based on what is historically accurate for the particular model of pump. Bright zinc is used on items for various models such as the viewing port plate, screws and the solenoid as well as many others.
The Process
IF YOU WANT IT DONE RIGHT...
We do all our plating in-house for the simple fact that we want it done right. Through trial and error we have developed a meticulous process that ensures high-quality, period-correct plating that includes multiple rounds of cleaning, media blasting, ultrasonic submersion and eventually electrochemical plating.
Pumps arrive in all kinds of conditions from your typical wear and grime to something that looks like its been sitting at the bottom of a lake. We salvage what we can, replace what we have to and get everything back in near-new condition before reassembly and calibration begins.
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Air Filter Replating
EVEN Some New parts need work
If you're ordering something new, you probably expect it to be in perfect condition. Unfortunately when it comes to classic Mercedes Parts, its not always the case. While mechanically sound, the air filters we order for our restorations do come straight from the factory, but they aren't quite up to spec to the discerning eye.
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As with much of our plating, we're very specific to do things by the book. While these air filters come from the factory with yellow zinc plating it's not quite up to our standards.
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As you can see with the examples above, there is a drastic difference in color between our yellow-zinc plating and the original factory-finish. The factory finish is supposed to be yellow-zinc, but due to European regulations the process has been altered and results are questionable, leaving the air filter less protected than it should be. Beyond that, though new, the factory air filters appear weathered and worn in places, leading to a discolored, dirty and far-from-fresh surface in comparison to our replated examples.
Unfortunately, behind the openings seen on the underside of the air filter lies paper filters, so we actually had to create a tool, seen here, to stop the plating solution from entering the air filter itself. Our expert craftsman created this screw top plug to cover the opening so that we can easily plate air filters without have to worry about the filter interior getting wet or destroyed.
You don't have to care about plating, that's what we're here for. If you want your fuel injection pump and all its accessories done right with plating that looks better, is historically accurate, and provides maximum protection, you know where to go.
