cleaning aluminum

[numbertwelve]

If anyone is looking for a safe way to clean your aluminum that doesn't involve discoloration or breathing in a ton of carb clean try this. Find a container big enough that your part/parts can completely submerge inside and fill it with hot water and a (GENEROUS) amount of Dawn dish soap about half a bottle. Leave your part/parts in there over night and when you retrieve them the next morning add a small amount of dawn and lightly scrub with a brisol pad or sanding sponge. the oil and grease will practically rinse off and you will not harm your aluminum or discolor it. Also churning the water once in a while will help loosen up some of the tougher spots.

 

[3kgt2nv]

you could also just use simple green.

 

[bryanwheat]

Purple power is amazing.
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[canada4g63]

Simple green and a tooth brush.

 

[nickk90]

Purple Power and Simple Green can etch the aluminum. Oderless Mineral Spirits is works really well.

 

[foxracing4500]

CRC brakleen. I cleaned my A/T with and it just sprayed off =)

 

[bryanwheat]

Purple Power and Simple Green can etch the aluminum. Oderless Mineral Spirits is works really well.

If you use it properly and don't let it dry than it won't harm it in any way. I've used 50+ gallons of this stuff in the last few years, it works perfect if you do it right. The trick is to dilute it and to keep it wet the whole time. It is also non toxic and bio degradable so it will not harm your lungs, liver etc, and can be dumped on the ground.

 

[3kgt2nv]

Water can also cause aluminum to oxidize and or turn cloudy if left to sit for to long.

 

[pauleyman]

On raw cast aluminum like the intake manifold I've used eagle mag wheel cleaner (the etching kind). I wouldn't use it on any smooth aluminum but on a rough cast part it comes out looking like it was freshly cast. It is acid based and nasty. If the aluminum is dull and grey it won't be after this.