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What are you guys or gals using to keep you engines and compartments clean or to clean them?
Especially, what's the best way to bring aluminum parts back to a new look? Things like A frames, A/C brackets and air pumps tend to look pretty bad after a while and I'm a stickler for a clean, shiny, new looking engine.
I use the industrial degreaser/cleaner from Northern Tools. I have used it for years on my boat and truck. I really like it, I buy it by the 5 gal. bucket.
I dont know how to make the aluminum shine, mine is pretty dull, but clean.
I used to pressure wash SEMI trucks for a living with my brother. We used Alumi-bright on all the aluminum parts. It strips any grease off and will bring it back to looking 100% brand new. You dont need to scrub either just spray on and spray off with water.. I'm not sure if they sell it to the general public though. It can be caustic so DO NOT breathe the stuff in, but it works damn well. This is not the brand we used because we purchased commercially but a quick search brought this back.
for a factory look on aluminum TPI components, brackets, aluminum accessories, etc., I typically bead blast the parts, and apply a chem-film conversion coating. it renders the parts, pretty much corrosion resistant, and easy to clean and keep clean. it requires a lot of work taking things apart and putting it back together, but IMO, well worth the effort. I try to avoid painting stuff unless it came from the factory that way -
for frame members, and aluminum suspension, etc., I use 409, fantastic, simple green, or any other such cleaner, along with scotch-brite pads, wire brushes, detailing brushes, and plenty of rags, etc., etc., etc.. whenever I wash the car, I usually clean and detail some section under the hood.
for a factory look on aluminum TPI components, brackets, aluminum accessories, etc., I typically bead blast the parts, and apply a chem-film conversion coating. it renders the parts, pretty much corrosion resistant, and easy to clean and keep clean. it requires a lot of work taking things apart and putting it back together, but IMO, well worth the effort. I try to avoid painting stuff unless it came from the factory that way -
for frame members, and aluminum suspension, etc., I use 409, fantastic, simple green, or any other such cleaner, along with scotch-brite pads, wire brushes, detailing brushes, and plenty of rags, etc., etc., etc.. whenever I wash the car, I usually clean and detail some section under the hood.
Boy that is the truth! Not worth the risk. I used ultra fine steel wool on the aluminium parts and windex or another mild nonabrasive cleaner on the SS parts.
I've had good results with a product called Ultra Luster.Its good for a quick clean/detail.I wouldn't call it show quality clean,but good enough for me.Its hard to find.Mostly have to buy it direct from Ultra Luster or Amazon,who stays out of it most of the time.Here is a Video.
Joe, that's a pretty sweet engine bay. Looks like you put not only hours into it, but your heart as well. OH, WARNING.. do NOT use ascetic (SP) acid (the stuff used to clean moter off bricks and stuff) on MAG valve covers. It can actually burst into flames or explode. ( I used to be a concrete finisher years ago).
Last edited by ghoastrider1; Mar 20, 2015 at 04:42 PM.
Yep Joe, beautiful !!! That is the engine/bay I would love to have but my 89 spent it's early life in Ohio so there is some tarnished aluminum. It will never be show quality but I do want to keep it spic and span.
I pulled every aluminum part off and bead blasted, then cleared them with high temp clear. All wire harness were retaped and covered with high temp fiberglass covering in all the high temp areas. Pretty much all the nuts and bolts of motor and accessories were treated in some way. Dirt drives me nuts...
What are you guys or gals using to keep you engines and compartments clean or to clean them?
Especially, what's the best way to bring aluminum parts back to a new look? Things like A frames, A/C brackets and air pumps tend to look pretty bad after a while and I'm a stickler for a clean, shiny, new looking engine.
Rick
Two cheap easy ways:
1. on smooth surfaces you can use metal polish and the aluminum will look almost like chrome.
2. A product such as Eagle 1 ETCHING wheel cleaner. Basically it creates a chemical reaction w/the aluminum, removing a thin layer, and revealing fresh aluminum. Makes the aluminum look like it just came from the factory. Easy; spry it on, let it sit a minute, hose it off. Here is a "before" and "after" pic of my rear suspension after a shot of Eagle 1 etching wheel cleaner....
two cheap easy ways:
1. On smooth surfaces you can use metal polish and the aluminum will look almost like chrome.
2. A product such as eagle 1 etching wheel cleaner. Basically it creates a chemical reaction w/the aluminum, removing a thin layer, and revealing fresh aluminum. Makes the aluminum look like it just came from the factory. Easy; spry it on, let it sit a minute, hose it off. Here is a "before" and "after" pic of my rear suspension after a shot of eagle 1 etching wheel cleaner....
I cover the motor and use a low pressure washer, Once clean its not that hard to keep it that way. Most the fender wells are easy to remove and clean also gives you great access to clean the suspension.
I cover the motor and use a low pressure washer, Once clean its not that hard to keep it that way. Most the fender wells are easy to remove and clean also gives you great access to clean the suspension.
I pulled every aluminum part off and bead blasted, then cleared them with high temp clear. All wire harness were retaped and covered with high temp fiberglass covering in all the high temp areas. Pretty much all the nuts and bolts of motor and accessories were treated in some way. Dirt drives me nuts...
I've been detailing my engine. I thought I had it looking pretty good. After seeing this it looks like I have a long way to go!
for a factory look on aluminum TPI components, brackets, aluminum accessories, etc., I typically bead blast the parts, and apply a chem-film conversion coating. it renders the parts, pretty much corrosion resistant, and easy to clean and keep clean. it requires a lot of work taking things apart and putting it back together, but IMO, well worth the effort. I try to avoid painting stuff unless it came from the factory that way - for frame members, and aluminum suspension, etc., I use 409, fantastic, simple green, or any other such cleaner, along with scotch-brite pads, wire brushes, detailing brushes, and plenty of rags, etc., etc., etc.. whenever I wash the car, I usually clean and detail some section under the hood.
Did you bead blast the valve covers as well? They look great, like new!
Cleaning Engine & Compartment
