C1 valve cover clean up

[Pete Ruegg]

Hi all,
The aluminum valve covers on my '62's 327 have some oil or grease stains on them that have been there since I bought the car about a year ago. I've tried grease remover, 409, strong soap, vigorous scrubbing and such but the stains remain. I've stayed away from any abrasives because I don't want to polish the covers smooth. I know that I could send them out to be bright dipped but would rather clean them myself. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Pete Ruegg

[Richard D.]

Re: C1 valve cover clean up

Pete:

Here's 2 suggestions that I saved from the site on my hard drive to try on mine when I take them off this winter -

1. I just used a good aluminum wheel cleaner and then scrubed them with a Scotch Brite Pad. Came out real nice. If you "blast" them or use a polishing wheel they can come out too shiney.

2. Cameo aluminum pot cleaner and a stiff scrub brush.

Rich

[George Romano]

i use paint stripper *NM*

[Pete Ruegg]

C1 valve cover clean up

Thanks Guys,
They might have a clear coat on them. I'll try the paint stripper then scrub them again.
Pete

[Eugene B.]

Re: C1 valve cover clean up

Gents,
Here's kind of crazy idea, but it works on lots of other things. Has anyone tried cleaning valve covers with Oven Cleaner? Maybe experiment with it on an old cover to verify that there is no chemical component that is harmful to alumuminum.

Gene

[Larry Clain]

Re: C1 valve cover clean up

If you want to keep the covers looking as new as you can I would not use any scrubb brush or wire brush as that will leave minute surface scraches.

I have not tried this but you might test a old piece of something first! Dip the entire cover in a dilute mixture of Muratic Acid. (Be sure to use a plastic Tub)

Start with 5% strength, to start with and stronger till you get what you are looking for. This will open up the pores of most metals so go easy till you are sure what you are doing. This should give you a more uniform look than oven cleaner that might leave streaks.

[Pete Ruegg]

C1 dirty gas tank

Hi Larry,
Where can I get Muratic Acid?

[Larry Clain]

Re: C1 dirty gas tank

Bulding supply store or pool supply. $3 to 4 usually. Test it on something you don't care about first. You could ruin your covers. I would think 5 caps full to a couple of gal of water would be a good starting point. Be carefull when you pour it in. Don't let it splash up on you.

It will foam like crazy when you put something in it so be sure that the tub you use is taller than the level of liquid. Wear rubber gloves and glasses to protect yourself. be sure to do it out side on grass that you don't care about. or a piece of plywood. this stuff will eat concrete if you poor it on straight.

Use some old car part that is Alum to test it first.

[Christopher R.]

And Do It Outside

Fumes from muriatic acid are harmful. You'll believe this after you get a whiff. Worse than ammonia.

[Gary S.]

Re: And Do It Outside

Muriatic acid is hydrocloric acid. You certainly want to ensure you are doing this outside and you are upwind.

As quoted from the Waste Management website:
"Muriatic or hydrochloric acid causes severe irritation or burns to skin and eyes. Vapors may irritate respiratory tract"

be careful
Gary

[John H.]

Re: C1 valve cover clean up

Muriatic acid (which is weak hydrochloric acid) generally will turn aluminum a dark color; sneak up on the strength and exposure time.

[Larry Clain]

Re: C1 valve cover clean up

John - Good point I was just thinking that same thing. I did suggest that he only use a very weak solution to start with, as he doesn't want to etch the pores of the cover, but just loosen the dirt or what ever it is that has stained them. I am not sure if he should not then spray them with a light coat of clear Laquer to keep them that way??