Transmission aluminum cleaning?

[Dick G.]

I opened up my 4-speed side cover the other day and to my delight saw what appears to be like new gears and synchro assy.. I will hold final judgement till I get a professional opinion by taking it to my local trusted tranny shop. Still, regardless of what they do for me, how would one clean this oxidation off the aluminum? Naval Jelly and a brush? or Fine steel wool? Dick Gutman

[Alan Drake]

Re: Transmission aluminum cleaning?

Dick; I assume you mean the outside of the tranny.
Was at a shop on Sat for a tech meeting and the owner said he just cleaned an FI unit (aluminum) with off self wheel cleaner. Let it sit and then washed it off. It does not come out bright, but matches the rest of car equipment, unless every thing else looks new. PS, I would use brake cleaner first to get most of dirt and crime off and then finish with Al wheel cleaner.
good luck - do outside!
Alan

[Dick G.]

Re: Transmission aluminum cleaning?

Thanks Alan: I used a product like that years ago on a cast aluminum wheel on my old 88 S-10 blazer. Worked good. Never thought of using it on the cast Exterior of this tranny. Thanks DG

[Dick W.]

Re: Transmission aluminum cleaning?

Aluminum wheel cleaner and a stiff brush will do wonders for the looks of your trans. case. Just be sure to rinse well when done or it will streak. Wear gloves and goggles as this is a mild phosphoric acid solution.

[Eugene B.]

Re: Transmission aluminum cleaning?

Dick,
On my aluminum cased Powerglide, I used Eagle One Chrome & Wire Cleaner. Be aware that each different wheel cleaner has a different acid mixture and some are pretty hard on aluminum. The Chrome & Wire wheel cleaner is mild enough avoid heavy etching, but stout enough to clean the aluminum.

As mentioned in the other post, degrease transmission before using the wheel cleaner.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,
Gene