mikezohsix

I'm jealous of how nice all these engines look coming from places like cleavland pick a part. My motor is pretty ugly in comparison.

I'm pulling it for what may be the last time this weekend (fingers crossed, but not holding my breath), and if it's something I can spray on and rinse off, I'd like to do that before it goes in the car....

ebk06

iTrader: (5)

They probably get some commercial grade degreaser and a wire or plastic brush and give them a quick scrubbing. I doubt a spray on rinse off product will really work well.

arthropraxis

IDK, I think some must paint them for pictures. I have some aluminum control arms that I used several degreasers on and they still look bad.

john 67

try some Simple Green

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Glass bead! I beaded all my loose parts, then taped and tented the long-block and beaded it too...

arthropraxis

I soaked them with simple green and white lightening. Scrubbed them with a brush and a wire brush. They still look ugly. They are cast aluminum, and had hot oil sprayed on them after the motor let go which probably explains it.

Tig

Hah, I was wondering the same thing. My block is pretty dirty, needs a good douchein.
I'm going to introduce my pressure washer and some degreaser to my aluminum block and see how they get along, hah.

AronZ28

iTrader: (2)

Tried any sandpaper on the aluminum??? That would be my logical step, along with something like aluminum polish you use on wheels.

underdog51

iTrader: (5)

Eagle one makes a great wheel cleaner. There is one that works really well but is only used on cast surfaces. Spray on, let sit for 1 to 2 minutes then spray off. Works amazing. It slightly eats at surface so it will dull polished stuff. They have one for polished wheels too, havn't used it yet

Mike52

iTrader: (1)

I used this Eagle One Etching Mag Cleaner on my salvage yard engine/trans, it cleaned up very nice. You will probably need to do a little hand scrubbing with a brush on any stubborn, caked up areas. Another great, inexpensive cleaner is L.A.'s Totally Awesome, you will find this at a Dollar General store, it's been discussed as a cleaner on this forum in the past.

Mike

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

This works well. Use the metal cleaner first-spray it on, let it sit, rinse it off. My block was stubborn, so I sprayed, then brushed, which did the trick. Then, you can use their wax product which seals in the shine.
You can't use it on 'pot' metal, it'll turn it black.
http://metalwax.com/

This was full of grime, rust, discoloration, oxidation, etc. I used just the cleaner, and not the wax product. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it.



Here's a couple of more perspectives...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...ls-blocks.html

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...-question.html

and a caveat...as mentioned by someone in the last link...'be careful what you use on the block, some cleaners will STAIN the aluminum!"

2nd Gen Fl 'bird

iTrader: (13)

If you've tried the above methods and still not quite happy, try Dupli-Colors "cast aluminum" spray paint. Pretty impressive for something coming out of a can. Takes just a light coat to get it back "clean" looking. Be sure to degrease.

-TheBandit-

iTrader: (1)

I can also vouch for the Eagle One Mag Wheel Cleaner.
See posts 21 & 22 of this thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...00-6-0vvt.html

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Very comprehensive thread on your Nova, Clint.
The greatest health is reserved for you!

Glenn

-TheBandit-

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Glenn! I appreciate the complement & well wishes.

kilrcady

iTrader: (1)

Eagle one!

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

I am a firm believer that glass bead blasters are God's gift to junkyard crawlers.

abot316

iTrader: (3)

Powdered Tide mixed into a paste, let it sit, scrub then wash will get you residue free metal

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

Eagle One is a sulfuric acid and another type of acid. It will definitely clean just about anything including the skin off your hands. Wear gloves and be careful when using that stuff.

A toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies and lots of brake cleaner/Eagle One, Engine degreaser will do the trick.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

I cleaned mine with Napa Aluminum cleaner. It works quite well, but if you leave it on too long, it will turn the cast gray like it has been bead blasted. I found you can restore the proper hue with a stainless or brass wire brush. However, I think I will still paint my engine with a custom PPG metallic clear coat. It will give the bright aluminum finish and remain easy to clean where natural finish aluminum will not.