Subject: RE: engine casting cleaning
Author: Zerhackermann
Date: Jun 10, 2002, 6:43 PM
Post ID: 1710409825
I would suggest avoiding steel wool or similar cleaning aids. The fine
bits of steel can embed in the aluminum and rust. You get a fine rust
patina.
I avoid using the realy harsh chemicals if possible. I get 5 gallon jugs
of concrete degreaser. Spray it down, let it sit (it wil dry on over
night.) then hose it down some more. Then work it over with a
scotchbrite pad or nylon brushes. Then spary off with water. The I use
compressed air followed by wd 40 to get rid of the moiusture. I use tape
and wahtnot to close off any holes to vital internals. I also use the
degreeaser and S100 when I wash bikes.
It doesn't make it shiny new like bead blasting, but it does get the
gunk off.
-----Original Message-----
From: John Prusnek [mailto:spaj-@raex.com]
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 6:19 PM
To: Loopfram-@topica.com
Subject: engine casting cleaning
A bit ago someone asked about cleaning engine cases, I don't think
anyone answered, so here's my opinion.
What I've used with some success is a spray aluminum cleaner from
NAPA although the sprayer sucks and stops working after the first time
you use it. Eagle One Mag etching cleaner is possibly the same thing,
basically a phosphoric acid solution. Spray it on and moosh it around
with a small stainless or brass bristle brush and rinse with lots of
water. NOTE: don't get this on anything shiny like chrome or polished
aluminum, it will etch it. It can be pretty nasty stuff, so don't use it
for eyedrops or drink it or anything.
A friend of mine swears by steel wool and WD-40, but I haven't tried
it. A very fine wire wheel on the end of a die grinder is helpful, but
you have to have a light touch and not leave swirl marks, what you're
looking for is a uniform finish, and not scratch the casting.
Someone on the Laverda list just posted this website for neat little
brushes, and although they're in Australia you could probably find
something similar in the US.
http://www.machinerycleanery.com/
There's basically no easy way to do this, it takes lots of elbow grease,
patience and beer, mostly beer. Try several things and see what works
for you.
John Prusnek