87bob

What have you used to clean aluminum? I do not want to polish it I just want to remove the dirt and oxidation. I am thinking of things like the alternator body, water pump housing, the throttle body, AC compressor. I know there must be a mild acid that will clean it. Something I can use rubber gloves and a moistened rag. What am I looking for?

vette196

I used a product called Eagle One, you spray it on and be ready to wash it off with a hose (its strong stuff). It works great on things like the driveshaft and tunnel(?), accessory bracket. I've used steel wool on some smaller aluminum parts. I was going to do my alternator but I was worried about the metal filings getting inside the hosing. I've decided to by a new one, use metal polish on it and save the original as a back up

drcook

I have used "cleaning vinegar" and a brass brush or mild steel brush. Cleaning vinegar has a little higher percentage acid then regular white vinegar. Other mild acids work as you suggested.

Cleaning vinegar is available cheap at WalMart and is not too terribly harsh on your skin or your eyes if you happen to splash it.

I would give it a try first. That is what I am using on the Dana 44 housing I am cleaning/rebuilding.

Eastwood also has an aluminum cleaner, but it is expensive. It could be used as a final clean after using other products.

https://www.eastwood.com/ew-aluminum...er-bottle.html

Aluminum wheel cleaners are too mild to get much off I have found.

zachaeous

I agree with post #2. I used Eagle One cleaner on my front and rear suspension parts on my 84. I had everything apart and it did come out really nice. Looked like brand new when it was done. On some of the really greasy parts I used steel wool to help break through grease. Wear rubber gloves for sure and eye protection when using it.

Eagle One Etching Mag Wheel Cleaner

87bob

cv67

Careful using it on wheels that are clearcoated, it ate right through mine.

87bob

sluggballz

Before

After

Cleaner
Sprayed on, lightly scrubbed with nylon kitchen brush and hose off.

TorchTarga94

Buy the eagle one etching mag wheel cleaner now while you can. All of my local stores are discontinuing it! I think I can still get it on Amazon for now but once that supply is out I think its all getting replaced with this more environmentally friendly cleaner:

rblakeney

Any "aluminum brightener" will work. I bought Duragloss 551 on Amazon. A lot of options for boat hulls and RVs.

larryinalabama

I use awesome orange from the dollar store, or simple green if not real bad, you can buy a gallon of concentrate for 10$ that will last a real long time, the green is pretty good for how non corrosive it is.