Aluminum Intake Cleaner ?
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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St. Jude Donor '16
Aluminum Intake Cleaner ?
I have an L82 aluminum intake that needs cleaning it is off the car and not polished. I have cleaned it with degreaser and now want to get the white look back.
Any suggestions on what to use?
Thanks Steve
Any suggestions on what to use?
Thanks Steve
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 65
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From: Muskego WI
On some of my restorations I have taken my parts to a local sand blast shop where you can rent a booth for $1.25 / minute. I use the glass bead (not the sand or oxide) booth on aluminum parts, use brake clean on the parts to remove any oils and dirt and the used a high temp engine clear coat paint on them. I have had the parts on the cars for several years and they still look great after many miles.
David
David
Thread Starter
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Originally Posted by IMEZRU
On some of my restorations I have taken my parts to a local sand blast shop where you can rent a booth for $1.25 / minute. I use the glass bead (not the sand or oxide) booth on aluminum parts, use brake clean on the parts to remove any oils and dirt and the used a high temp engine clear coat paint on them. I have had the parts on the cars for several years and they still look great after many miles.
David
David
Thanks for the tip. Never thought of clearing it, I did not think clear would stay on the aluminum.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Another option is to paint the manifold. The pic shows a 1979 L-82 unit done with VHT Cast Aluminum, high-heat engine paint.
If you media blast, remove the oil splash shield. The beads/sand can get under the shield and cause some serious engine problems later.
If you media blast, remove the oil splash shield. The beads/sand can get under the shield and cause some serious engine problems later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by We Gone
I did not think clear would stay on the aluminum.
Eddie
Drifting
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From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
If its a bit greasy or carbony I use crystal simple green to remove that stuff. Soak it over nite and its all dissolved. Just wash it off.
Aluminum shouldn't be white, thats kind of bad corrosion.
Aluminum shouldn't be white, thats kind of bad corrosion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Auburndale Florida
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Some other options, get the intake ceramic coated and it will always stay nice. Or clean it on the car with some heavy duty aluminum cleaner that is save for the car. Some cleaners I have used on intakes, transmissions etc are an" AC coil cleaner" available at most hardware stores and a an "aluminum boat cleaner". Available at any boat supply stores. Most are packed in quarts and cost about $11. Spray it on, let it soak a while and if you scrub with a small brass brush it will come amazingly bright. But again it will not last unless it is sealed or clear coated
best o luck
Mark
best o luck
Mark
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Yes, glass beading is the best way to go. Eastwood products has a clearcoat that may work for a while. This is the best way for original look. The gentleman that suggested ceramic coating is the longest and toughest and the inside runners can be coated. Intakes always have a way of getting dirty in the bolt areas.
Good Luck
Steve
Good Luck
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Santee CA
Originally Posted by Steve COSD
Yes, glass beading is the best way to go. Eastwood products has a clearcoat that may work for a while. This is the best way for original look. The gentleman that suggested ceramic coating is the longest and toughest and the inside runners can be coated. Intakes always have a way of getting dirty in the bolt areas.
Good Luck
Steve
Good Luck
Steve
As for getting a "hazed/dull" finish look, go for the media blasted look. Try to stay away from the sand or crushed walnut shell unless it's REALLY caked with grease; those mediums will strip it fairly quickly. Same goes with the aluminum oxide, although it's finer than the sand; glass bead would probably be ideal.
I'm fortunate enough to own my own media blasting cabinet (some guy was selling a large drum-type one at a yard sale, and my dad bought it - $95 for a blasting cabinet valued at $400) and have been doing the blasting myself. It's really easy, actually! Only thing you need to keep an eye on is moisture in the line.
