How to keep an aluminum manifold clean...
12-14-2006, 12:16 PM
#1
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How to keep an aluminum manifold clean...
I'm wondering what options I have for my intake manifold. I like the bare aluminum look, and after the manifold is cleaned up and installed, it looks good for a few months, and then starts to get that white crud on it and starts to look old and cruddy.
I don't want to paint it, but I was wondering if a layer of clear coat would help seal in the manifold and help guard against time. Seems it would be easier to clean easily.
Has anyone done this, or does anyone have tips for aluminum manifolds?
I don't want to paint it, but I was wondering if a layer of clear coat would help seal in the manifold and help guard against time. Seems it would be easier to clean easily.
Has anyone done this, or does anyone have tips for aluminum manifolds?
12-14-2006, 12:26 PM
#2
Race Director
Yes, aluminum can be cleared. The problem is that most clear coats turn yellow after some time due to the heat. If you do this, be sure to use a high quality clear.
There are also products that help "seal" the aluminum. I think Griots has something. I use plain old WD40 and have no corrosion, but I live in a warm climate with no salt.
There are also products that help "seal" the aluminum. I think Griots has something. I use plain old WD40 and have no corrosion, but I live in a warm climate with no salt.
12-14-2006, 12:29 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Aluma-Blast from Eastwood will give you a surface that appears to be fresh uncoated cast aluminum. It cleans up easily and prevents oxidation. All of the clear coats I am familiar with which can be used on an engine result in a very glossy surface. This does not seem to be what you want.
12-14-2006, 12:30 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Mine is cleared... and beginning to get a yellow/brown hue to it.
Doesnt look terrible, but there really arent that many options out there. It is still nice and shiny though
.
I'll take a pic today or tomorrow.
Doesnt look terrible, but there really arent that many options out there. It is still nice and shiny though
.I'll take a pic today or tomorrow.
12-14-2006, 01:04 PM
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Aluma-Blast from Eastwood will give you a surface that appears to be fresh uncoated cast aluminum. It cleans up easily and prevents oxidation. All of the clear coats I am familiar with which can be used on an engine result in a very glossy surface. This does not seem to be what you want.
I just ordered a few cans...thanks for the tip. I'll test paint an old manifold and see how it looks. Thanks for the tips.
12-14-2006, 02:03 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
For a previous incarnation of my engine (
) I had the guys who did my powdercoating do a "clear powdercoat" on my polished aluminum intake manifold. I think it's the same stuff they use on aluminum rims.
) I had the guys who did my powdercoating do a "clear powdercoat" on my polished aluminum intake manifold. I think it's the same stuff they use on aluminum rims.
12-14-2006, 02:34 PM
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I think the people that make aluminum pulleys advertise that the pulleys surfaces are hardened with a clear color anodyze. If an aluminum manifold were removed, cleaned up with new surfaces, could it then be clear anodyzed? Anyone know.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
12-14-2006, 02:39 PM
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I think the people that make aluminum pulleys advertise that the pulleys surfaces are hardened with a clear color anodyze. If an aluminum manifold were removed, cleaned up with new surfaces, could it then be clear anodyzed? Anyone know.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
But what about EFI manifolds that don't have a carb or exhaust heat?
12-14-2006, 04:11 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
I think the people that make aluminum pulleys advertise that the pulleys surfaces are hardened with a clear color anodyze. If an aluminum manifold were removed, cleaned up with new surfaces, could it then be clear anodyzed? Anyone know.
Probably.... but pulleys don't get hot like an intake.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
Probably.... but pulleys don't get hot like an intake.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
(slow carb heat up).
All clears that I have tried have yellowed... and then browned.
At the crossover, they burn & flake off after a short time.
This question pops up all of the time.
12-14-2006, 08:03 PM
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St. Jude Donor '07
I think the people that make aluminum pulleys advertise that the pulleys surfaces are hardened with a clear color anodyze. If an aluminum manifold were removed, cleaned up with new surfaces, could it then be clear anodyzed? Anyone know.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
A problem with aluminum paint for the manifolds might be that if you have the exhaust gas circulating under the carb (stock intake manifolds), the heat can damage the paint.
