Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

[Louis C.]

Anyone have suggestions on cleaning an aluminum intake short of bead blasting it?

[Doug Y.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I just use gasoline and a clean rag away from any open flame of course

[Thomas H.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

Anyone have suggestions on cleaning an aluminum intake short of bead blasting it?

Just got my dual quad intake back today from one of the many "refinishers" out there. Looks great, probably the best $ I've spent on the 58 so far.

I tried a few things myself before deciding to send it out. Waste of my time.......

Tom

[James W.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

Louis,

I like Thomas' suggestion about sending it out. You won't be sorry and it will look excellent.

If you insist on doing it yourself, you might try some Whestley's Bleach White whitewall tire cleaner. I'd try a small spot on the underside first to see if you like the results. I've also had good luck with clean white class A rags and a can of spray carb cleaner. It will remove the gas stains very well.

Just my 2 cents.


Regards,

James West

Anyone have suggestions on cleaning an aluminum intake short of bead blasting it?

[Ed S.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

Louis
This question has been asked before - just do a search for "cleaning aluminum manifolds" - you'll get a long list of threads that are in the archives. Here is a link to one that solicited about 30 responses.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ntake-Manifold

[Michael G.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I just use gasoline and a clean rag away from any open flame of course

I've found using WD-40 ( liberally) and a nylon scourer pad to be successful in cleaning the surface. When done give it a good washing....you'll be surprised at the appearance.

[Louis C.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

So far I have tried mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and simple green diluted. It is clen
but not bright.

Ae archive posts suggest: aluminum jelly, coke, phosphoric acid. I will try the WD40 with a nylon pad tomorrow.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

David's 4 speeds in Milwaukee just got a large Tumbler. I sent tranny and bell housing out . He told me they came out great. I was told tumbling would be the closest to " original texture".

[Bradley D.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I can recommend Richard Fortier, who advertises in the Driveline to do a restore if necessary. Mine need much more than a clean. It had been clear coated and it turned yellow. Once off the car I could see it needed some additional restoration on the underside, Richard restores as new. Price was reasonable. He does much more than provide fasteners, give him a call.

[Bill M.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I need to do my valve covers and intake. how much does the process cost?

[William B.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

Although most vendors that restore/reskin the alum. parts will not list their procedure,
I believe they do use a tumbler with some type of media that "reskins", Anyone have any comments?

[Joe R.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I believe Jerry MacNeish does them, too.

[Jim S.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

William,

You are correct. I spoke to Jerry MacNeish about it before I sent in my intake and valve covers . He told me they tumble their items them in a ceramic material. I assumed he would not say what kind of ceramic , so I didn't ask .

Jim

[Mike W.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

I use an aluminum cleaner on our Alcoa aluminum bus wheels. These are not polished aluminum wheels (manufacturer says not to use on polished aluminum as it will mess up the finish). Had great results on the wheels. Just spray and let it soak for about 20 seconds and wash off with water. It may be necessary to scrub some areas before rinsing off with a scotch brite pad. I wouldn't use it on aluminum valve covers since they are polished. Seems like it would work well on the unpolished intakes, but I have not tried this.

[Michael G.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake (suggestions)

An ordinary dishwasher does a really good job. Try it before you spend a bunch of time and money...