Cleaning Cast Aluminum?
01-09-2019, 07:03 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
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Cleaning Cast Aluminum?
Picked up a cast aluminum tranny pan off Ebay. Has a couple fluid stains on the outside because it is used. Anybody know of a concoction that will clean that? Being that its cast, it has a very rough texture.
01-09-2019, 07:44 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Mag cleaner, or magnesium cleaner. I think Eagle still makes it. Just make sure it doesn’t touch anything else. It will ruin a painted surface. But man it will it brighten the aluminum.Use a soft wire brush to get into the tight spots.
Ray
Ray
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HeadsU.P. (01-09-2019)
01-09-2019, 07:44 PM
#4
Race Director
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Lots of the "toilet bowl" cleaners will work on aluminum (boat guys using them on pontoons etc forever
One of the ones commonly recommended is called "the works" and another is "L.A.'s Totally Awesome" and is available at the dollar stores in the USA
Personally I use Flitz pre-cleaner
M
One of the ones commonly recommended is called "the works" and another is "L.A.'s Totally Awesome" and is available at the dollar stores in the USA
Personally I use Flitz pre-cleaner
M
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HeadsU.P. (01-09-2019)
01-09-2019, 07:52 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
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That makes sense. No body we see the pan but me. I just want to clean it because.
I got the pan for a song, about half price used.
I got the pan for a song, about half price used.
01-09-2019, 07:58 PM
#6
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Just because nobody sees it doesn't mean it can't be nice 
M
M
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HeadsU.P. (01-09-2019)
01-09-2019, 08:28 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
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cast alum is very porous and any caustic will tend to adhere and corrode if not neutralized/flushed well. If not, can darken aluminum.
Oxalic acid (powder) (DAP / Savogran Wood Bleach) mixed in water. This same as the old fashioned OTC radiator cleaners that're no longer available.
Neutralize with baking soda mixed in water then lots of rinse water.
-edit- deal or not, and no doubt plenty do, but I'd hesitate running a cast trans pan on a low-slung street driver.
Oxalic acid (powder) (DAP / Savogran Wood Bleach) mixed in water. This same as the old fashioned OTC radiator cleaners that're no longer available.
Neutralize with baking soda mixed in water then lots of rinse water.
-edit- deal or not, and no doubt plenty do, but I'd hesitate running a cast trans pan on a low-slung street driver.
Last edited by jackson; 01-09-2019 at 08:32 PM.
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HeadsU.P. (01-10-2019)
01-09-2019, 09:05 PM
#8
Racer
https://www.google.com/search?q=east...EW&pie=plaji-i
This stuff works excellent. But is expensive. Spray on, rinse off. Smells like the old green Metal Prep.
Steve O.
This stuff works excellent. But is expensive. Spray on, rinse off. Smells like the old green Metal Prep.
Steve O.
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HeadsU.P. (01-10-2019)
01-09-2019, 09:44 PM
#9
e-z off oven cleaner works well use a plastic brush to scrub ,, dont used a wire brush It will leave fragments of rubbed metal on the aluminum and Will rust ,, ask me how I know
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HeadsU.P. (01-10-2019)
01-10-2019, 03:06 AM
#10
Safety Car
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Bar keepers friend and a nylon bristle brush. What's left over works for many uses around the house!
I use to clean alternator cases and 78 aluminum power antennas.
I use to clean alternator cases and 78 aluminum power antennas.
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HeadsU.P. (01-10-2019)
01-10-2019, 08:37 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
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cast alum is very porous and any caustic will tend to adhere and corrode if not neutralized/flushed well. If not, can darken aluminum.
Oxalic acid (powder) (DAP / Savogran Wood Bleach) mixed in water. This same as the old fashioned OTC radiator cleaners that're no longer available.
Neutralize with baking soda mixed in water then lots of rinse water.
-edit- deal or not, and no doubt plenty do, but I'd hesitate running a cast trans pan on a low-slung street driver.
Oxalic acid (powder) (DAP / Savogran Wood Bleach) mixed in water. This same as the old fashioned OTC radiator cleaners that're no longer available.
Neutralize with baking soda mixed in water then lots of rinse water.
-edit- deal or not, and no doubt plenty do, but I'd hesitate running a cast trans pan on a low-slung street driver.
Update: Just measured.
For those who care, the 2 Qt extra capacity, deep tranny pan is 1+5/8" lower than stock on a TH350. So, not too bad for grd clearance.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; 01-10-2019 at 12:29 PM.
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