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Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:59 am
by rjkoop
I'm in the process of cleaning the AFM, valve covers and other various aluminum pieces. I used a 3M rotating pad and a brass wheel that worked fairly well. There are some nooks and crannies that are hard to get. Is there a liquid/spray that I could use with maybe a stiff brush to clean out these areas? Just wondering what the best solution is to use to clean off 30 years of gray/grime.

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 10:19 am
by 4uall
I have used engine Gunk and WD-40, Pinesol and Greenworks

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http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/products/

When cleaning aluminum, you may have to remove aluminum oxide, which makes the metal look gray. Use an acid solution of water and vinegar or cream of tartar, or a lemon sprinkled with salt, to remove aluminum oxide. These mild acid solutions are safe for cleaning the oxide off of aluminum around your home

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 10:56 am
by steve8462
i would try a Dremel style tool. you can get just about any style buffing or grinding tip at a hobby store. it would help get in those tight spots and would work great to remove and soften the casting marks for a truly smooth all over look

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:58 pm
by manoa matt
Kerosene and an old tooth brush.

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:46 am
by wikkid
4uall, I have seen those images on the interwebz (so they must be true LOL) of incredible cleanups of carb manifolds done by soaking in PineSol. Have you ever tried it? I wonder if it really works like that.

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:14 pm
by RRoller123
Don't we need to seal the cleaned aluminum with something to keep it from quickly re-oxidizing?

Re: Cleaning aluminum pieces

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 6:43 pm
by 4uall
Not all aluminum however, Pinesol does the trick :wink:

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The greatest stuff I have ever used is this
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This stuff is amazing! Can be used indoors (ideally at room temp), has no smell and can be used over & over until it becomes ineffective