Subject: engine casting cleaning
Author: John Prusnek
Date: Jun 10, 2002, 6:17 PM
Post ID: 1710409744
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