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Thread: Cleaning aluminium parts
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5th Mar 2019, 07:45 PM #1Banned
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Cleaning aluminium parts
I have a lot of aluminium parts to clean up, brake backing plates, side covers, and so on. I have a blasting cabinet with both soda and garnet mediums but this simply takes too long, can you suggest something something else? Molasses, electrolysis???
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5th Mar 2019, 08:29 PM #2
From what i have read hydro blasting is the go for ally parts that you want to restore to as new.
Probably not a diy setup unless you have a lot of work to do.
Another option i have used in the past is phosphoric acid, but depends on the end result you want.
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5th Mar 2019, 09:40 PM #3Most Valued Member
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Hi and WELCOME to a TOP FORUM.
What are the parts covered with? If we knew what it was it could be easier to advise you of a practical way. And if we knew what sort of finish you'd like would help also.
Sometimes Vinegar is used, but you'll need to test a piece first as it could be a bit too agressive.
KrynTo grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
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5th Mar 2019, 10:35 PM #4Banned
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oil, grease, road grime, brake dust, you name it!
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6th Mar 2019, 01:46 AM #5Golden Member
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Going back 60 years we used to use phenyl disinfectant, painted on liberally then hosed off. this was a very effective cleaner for aluminium, but did leave the vehicle smelling like a public toilet for a couple of days. It needed to be kept off the paintwork though.
Frank.
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6th Mar 2019, 09:52 AM #6Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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It sounds like you just need some degreaser and pressure cleaner?
For small delicate stuff I use an ultrasonic bath and strong detergent - that thing is amazing.
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6th Mar 2019, 11:14 AM #7Senior Member
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Google "aluminium brighteners"
Lots of products there.
I have never used any, bit worried about hydrofluoric acid in them. Enjoying having all my bones!
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14th Mar 2019, 11:57 AM #8
Grab some "Truck wash" its formulated for Ally, should get most stuff off
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14th Mar 2019, 05:59 PM #9Banned
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Obviously petrol and degreasers were the first go tos, but no dice, the accumulated rubbish is a combination of dust, oxidisation, brake gunk and road grime. Might try some mag cleaner!
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14th Mar 2019, 06:10 PM #10Gear expert in training
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If the stuff has caked on hard, the best you can hope for with any solvent is that it will just soften it, you'll still have to get in there and manually clean the parts. There's no magic bullet unless you go for caustic solutions or abrasive blasting.
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15th Mar 2019, 05:42 PM #11China
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Turco Carburetor cleaner
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17th Mar 2019, 10:58 AM #12
This post did not belong in Off Topic so I moved it into Metal work general.
Later on when folks do a search on the topic it will be much easier to find.
Grahame
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18th Mar 2019, 03:14 PM #13Most Valued Member
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Try either Blitz aluminium cleaner or Ali Brite. Use them neat and soak the components in them. It will not be fast and may well require a couple of shots, but either one will move a fair bit of gunk.
Do not go near Aluminium with anything caustic, you will get a bath of dirty froth and no aluminium left. I know this from an unpleasant and costly experience.
Another option would be to get an engine machine shop to hot tank them.
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18th Mar 2019, 06:01 PM #14Golden Member
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I stripped and cleaned all the components of a Bridgeport J-head last year by soaking them in a 15:1 solution of 'simple green' cleaner from Bunnings diluted with water. I think I had the parts in the tub for a week, took them out and scrubbed them occasionally and then hit them with the pressure washer when finished. Didn't dissolve the aluminium parts, did strip the paint and the old greasy filth.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/simple-g...eaner_p4470510
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