best way to clean aluminum

[Keith B.]

for a transmission case that has 40 plus years of caked on oil and grease. whats a good way to get it looking new again. will soda blasting be good. I was told not to sand blast.

[Joe T.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

I used diesel and a bristle scrub brush (not wire) and the power wash. Some water based degreasers (like POR Marine Clean) and power wash will also work. Soak the grease and dirt with whatever degreaser, you choose, wait a little while and then power wash and be prepared for multiple passes over the work. Be sensitive to caustic cleaners because they can etch the aluminum and affect the casting "finish". You will succeed
OBTW: DON'T direct the power washer directly on seals or gaskets. The water WILL get into places you don't want it

[Keith B.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

the trans will be getting a full rebuild so it will be a bare case doing the cleaning

[Edward J.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

Keith another way is to bring it to a machine shop and let him put it in his cleaning tank. the stuff they use today is a citrus base cleaner so it will need a few days. and does work I had my valve covers and intake done, came out looking great.

[Keith B.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

this is what I am working with as you can see it has some oxidation?

[Joe T.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

Hi Keith: WOW! That's a little different problem than just cleaning! It's just cosmetic as far as I can see. I don't know what kind of aluminum cleaners there are out there, but whatever you use, the oxidation has to be removed. I don't know what would restore the original finish. Ene just a thorough wire brushing will probably alter somewhat the original look...Maybe the citrus dip is the best solution?

[Matt L.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

maybe some kind of soda blasting? something gentle enough not to distort the original finish but strong enough to remove the oxidation.

take care,
matt

[Ron G.]

Re: best way to clean aluminum

I have had very good success using a combination of glass/plastic media blast. You would need to clean it with something like simple green to remove any unwanted grease or oil before doing so.