Cleaning aluminium.

[Keithmac]

Hello all.

I have two cars with a lot of aluminium engine parts including cast intake manifolds, polished charge pipes etc.

These end up over time with very light surface corrosion.

Just after some ideas for best products to use for cleaning and then sealing the aluminium (the cast intakes are very porous).

I'm not looking to Lacquer them really.

Just something that I can do a few times a year to keep on top of things.

I was thinking GT85 for sealing, was considering ACF-50 but it think it will attract dirt?.

Any ideas welcome!.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Just have them anodised (or diy them) and be done with it

 

[WvW]

I've recently (accidentally) used phosphoric acid to good effect on aluminium - I normally use it as a pre-paint prep to remove any remaining rust, but I got a bit handy with it and accidently sprayed some aluminium. When I washed it off it was nice and clean. It probably isn't the best for removing heavy corrosion however, but it works quite well I find as a general cleaner.

I bought this:

Biosan Highly Concentrated Scale Remover

A concentrated phosphoric acid based descaler with less fumes than our Formula 7. This is a great option for those looking for a mild descaler. Ideal for kettles, kitchens and general maintenance.

www.jennychem.com

Used it on the subframe on my Golf when I rebuilt the front end recently:

 

[WvW]

This shows the contrast a bit better against the sump - it probably wasn't as dirty as that to start with, but you get the idea.

 

[selectedgrub]

Yes. I wouldn't let it dry on your parts tho.
Best to use at 4% diluted.

 

[WvW]

Agreed - makes a bit of a mess.

 

[minimutly]

TFR and a pressure washer work well too.

 

[Kram]

Just have them anodised (or diy them) and be done with it

Cast automotive parts often wont anodise, wrong grade with lots of silicon.

Diesel works great for cleaning dirt off, I soaked caliper mounts and they came out looking like new.

A short dip in caustic will get it clean but may turn it black.

My cbr6 engine/sump, after cleaning I used a cheap can of poundland silver wheel paint and made it much easier to keep clean.

 

[Keithmac]

Just found this rocker cover in the shed, can't see it staying that shiny for long.