cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

[Bob D.]

I need advice on best way to clean the finned aluminum valve covers on my 57. They are original finish and just want to clean them up so they retain the original patina and finish. Any methods and/or products that any of you have experience with would be appreciated.

[Edward J.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Bob if your just looking to clean of oil/grease from the years, just use mineral sprits with a clean rag. With age they tend to dull. The correct way is to send them out for refinishing. there ae a couple of guys the do this, John DeGregory here on the TDB I believe does this.

[Bob D.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Thanks Ed, I'll try the mineral spirits. Valve covers were professionaly restored about 6 years ago and just need a thorough clean up. Hopefully that will do the trick

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Use you favorite aluminum cleaner (not polish) and wash down with Lysol and rise. Then set them out in the acid rain for a couple days.

[Christopher R.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

"Lysol"? Is that what you meant? Or, has autocorrect made another mistake?

[Edward J.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Use you favorite aluminum cleaner (not polish) and wash down with Lysol and rise. Then set them out in the acid rain for a couple days.

Gene, I think a lot of wheel cleaners have a acid that may eat the finish, if there's any hope? the poster stated the covers were restored at some point. I don't think I would try anything to harsh at first. maybe the Lysol first.

[Ed S.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Bob,

What ever you do, please do take before and after pics and post a comment that described what products you used to clean your valve covers and the procedures (step by step) you used. I think a lot of people will be interested in knowing the results of your cleaning project.

Thanks -

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

"Lysol"? Is that what you meant? Or, has autocorrect made another mistake?

Yes Lysol. It is great at getting grease and deep in the surface grime out. I go over my 65 driver engine every year to make it look new again. A paint brush to work it in is all you need, no hard scrubbing.

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Gene, I think a lot of wheel cleaners have a acid that may eat the finish, if there's any hope? the poster stated the covers were restored at some point. I don't think I would try anything to harsh at first. maybe the Lysol first.

Back in the old days screen doors were bare aluminum. And aluminum cleaner was sold to clean them. It removed any tarnish and looks new again. Well up until recently, I used it up. But the Lysol with a paint brush seems to work good. Acid rain gives the just out of the die look. Guys always ask how I get my aluminum covers to look new. When I tell my story few believe, unless they try it.

I don't know what restored means when talking about aluminum valve covers as all that is required is a good cleaning (Lysol) and rain water rinse. I just set them outside in the acid rain for couple days and wipe dry.

I have not tried wheel cleaner so there you are on your own.

[Pancho T.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

I have had good success with a product called Aluminum Jelly. Simple to use. Simply brush it on. Wait a minute or two then rinse off with cold water. Sometimes I repeat the process a couple of times. I have a set of NOS original valve covers in the original boxes. The covers that I have cleaned with the jelly look exactly like those NOS covers in the boxes when I am finished. The valve covers that I have seen that have been restored or tumbled do not look the same.

[Dan A.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

The valve covers that I have seen that have been restored or tumbled do not look the same.

I agree. Particularly alternators.

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Originally Posted by Pancho Thompson (23103)
The valve covers that I have seen that have been restored or tumbled do not look the same.

I agree. Particularly alternators.

The same cleaning method with Lysol works on any die cast aluminum. And you guys are right blasted alternators do look wrong. It makes me sick when I see alternators professional (paid good money) restored and have the castings blasted. I deduct for it under the CDCIF for finish. If one has a very bad looking alternator case take it all apart and set it in a small ultra sonic tank with the Lysol thinned with water. It will get hot. My guess you can be looking at couple hours in there with a really dirty pair of alternator cases.. But you will be impressed how clean it comes out.

[Ray C.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Gene, Are you using the Lysol spray for countertops?

[Kenneth T.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

There is a product that I came across that cleans aluminum an other metals it's called "Sharkhide". They also have a metal protector and other products.

check them out online

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Gene, Are you using the Lysol spray for countertops?

Lysol cleaner comes in quart and 32 oz clear bottle. I's a yellow green color. The wife got me using it to clean things with grease on it.

I have put it in a spray bottle for cleaning engines and greasy car parts.