Cleaning the engine aluminum
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
The chalky look is from oxidation, my car has the same problem. I've debated trying to clean them up with a soft wire wheel, but I'm worried I might mark the aluminum... But short of removing them and having them blasted I don't know what else could work. Anybody else have any input?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I used the wire wheel method on the alternator, along with a vaccum to collect the fine wires from falling into the alt....no pics handy, but it did clean it up....took some time though and I still have the rest to do.....
Have a read of this thread for chemical solutions:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/car-...n-cean-up.html
Have a read of this thread for chemical solutions:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/car-...n-cean-up.html
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Check out Busch products I have used the heavy duty wash on my suspension components and looks factory fresh I just brush it on let it set and wipe it off. They have 3 types of Aluminum Wash, I got the picture from their web site, I am very happy with the results. Also my car was low mileage 2003 with only 5300 miles so suspension was not that dirty, but looks better now.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Last edited by 6speedsteve; Jan 31, 2012 at 06:43 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
I got my car recently and the TB had a lot of oxidation on it. I removed it and went over it with a wire wheel on the cordless drill. It cleaned it up reaally nice. When I was done I cleaned with paint thinner then sprayed it with high temp clear. It still looks really good. I cleaned up other areas with a scotch brite pad, like the alternator.
^^^I want to try that aluminum wash on my suspension components too, that sounds like good stuff. Thanks
^^^I want to try that aluminum wash on my suspension components too, that sounds like good stuff. Thanks
Last edited by MY03C5Z; Jan 31, 2012 at 06:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Memphis Tennessee
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Thanks for the recommendations. Gives me some ideas to work on my aluminum parts.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett IL
Check out Busch products I have used the heavy duty wash on my suspension components and looks factory fresh I just brush it on let it set and wipe it off. They have 3 types of Aluminum Wash, I got the picture from their web site, I am very happy with the results. Also my car was low mileage 2003 with only 5300 miles so suspension was not that dirty, but looks better now.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Last edited by glorysends; Feb 1, 2012 at 10:55 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 970
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Sad thing about raw aluminum is it's going to oxidize unless you coat it and maintain that coating. My students used to love to make things of aluminum and polish the heck out of them only to have to repolish them in a month or so. The price we pay for low weight!!
many thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Don't bother driving around to the normal auto parts stores looking for this Busch's cleaner. I checked a few stores today with no luck, then checked out their website. Other than big rig truckstops they don't sell this stuff in stores, only available online. I'm going to order some of this HD cleaner of theirs, sounds like good stuff.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Just wanted to update this thread, I ordered some of the Busch's HD aluminum spray, got a 32 oz bottle and ordered it from them direct. Finally got around to using it today, pulled all 4 wheels to do the suspension components, mine had a lot of oxidation along with what Im pretty sure was dried concrete powder caked to it. Appears the previous owner drove through a construction area with it and the concrete dust hardened. Anyway, I ended up spraying this stuff several times and rinsing it off. Let it sit for 5 min then rinse. On aluminum parts that didnt have the concrete residue the spray & rinse method worked great. Where the concrete was I sprayed, let it sit a few minutes then hit it with a wire brush, this stuff broke it up well. Use it in a ventilated area and I probably should have used rubber gloves, its got acid in it. Tried to be carefull but still got a little on my hands and washed it off quick. Ive got half the bottle left, when it warms up I want to do the front k member and the rear cradle with the stuff. Im very happy with it, I'd highly recommend it. 
