how do these places that sell engines get the aluminum so clean?
#1
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how do these places that sell engines get the aluminum so clean?
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....
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....
#6
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.
#7
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.
I'm going to introduce my pressure washer and some degreaser to my aluminum block and see how they get along, hah.
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#9
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
#10
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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
Mike
#11
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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!"
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!"
Last edited by gMAG; 01-18-2011 at 10:02 AM.
#12
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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.
#13
TECH Addict
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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
See posts 21 & 22 of this thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...00-6-0vvt.html
#14
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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
See posts 21 & 22 of this thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...00-6-0vvt.html
The greatest health is reserved for you!
Glenn
#19
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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.
A toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies and lots of brake cleaner/Eagle One, Engine degreaser will do the trick.
#20
Old School Heavy
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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.