cleaning the aluminum intake
11-15-2012, 03:14 PM
#5
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
Depends on the look that you're after.
As stated above, if greasy/oily, start with a strong degreaser. I prefer brake cleaner. Kicks **** over anything else, IMO.
Then, if you're after a "polished" look, the steel wool mentioned above works, as does sand paper (fine grit) which can lead to a polished look.
If you're after STOCK looking, then the only thing that will REALLY clean cast aluminum and keep it looking stock is an etching aluminum cleaner. Look for an "etching aluminum wheel cleaner" for cast wheels (not coated wheels) at your parts store. Spray it on, let sit, blast with water. Repeat of necessary, but it makes any cast aluminum surface look like it just came from the foundry. Awesome stuff.
As stated above, if greasy/oily, start with a strong degreaser. I prefer brake cleaner. Kicks **** over anything else, IMO.
Then, if you're after a "polished" look, the steel wool mentioned above works, as does sand paper (fine grit) which can lead to a polished look.
If you're after STOCK looking, then the only thing that will REALLY clean cast aluminum and keep it looking stock is an etching aluminum cleaner. Look for an "etching aluminum wheel cleaner" for cast wheels (not coated wheels) at your parts store. Spray it on, let sit, blast with water. Repeat of necessary, but it makes any cast aluminum surface look like it just came from the foundry. Awesome stuff.
11-15-2012, 03:36 PM
#6
Thanks
Depends on the look that you're after.
As stated above, if greasy/oily, start with a strong degreaser. I prefer brake cleaner. Kicks **** over anything else, IMO.
Then, if you're after a "polished" look, the steel wool mentioned above works, as does sand paper (fine grit) which can lead to a polished look.
If you're after STOCK looking, then the only thing that will REALLY clean cast aluminum and keep it looking stock is an etching aluminum cleaner. Look for an "etching aluminum wheel cleaner" for cast wheels (not coated wheels) at your parts store. Spray it on, let sit, blast with water. Repeat of necessary, but it makes any cast aluminum surface look like it just came from the foundry. Awesome stuff.
As stated above, if greasy/oily, start with a strong degreaser. I prefer brake cleaner. Kicks **** over anything else, IMO.
Then, if you're after a "polished" look, the steel wool mentioned above works, as does sand paper (fine grit) which can lead to a polished look.
If you're after STOCK looking, then the only thing that will REALLY clean cast aluminum and keep it looking stock is an etching aluminum cleaner. Look for an "etching aluminum wheel cleaner" for cast wheels (not coated wheels) at your parts store. Spray it on, let sit, blast with water. Repeat of necessary, but it makes any cast aluminum surface look like it just came from the foundry. Awesome stuff.
