cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

[Bob W.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Gene do you thin the lysol 50/50? Also do you have a ultra sonic cleaner? if so what brand as i would like to pick one up.

[Wayne G.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

I have found that after you clean the grease off its important to rinse the covers with water and keep them wet before you use the aluminum cleaner, wheel cleaner, aluminum jelly etc. That seems to keep the cleaners from streaking the aluminum when it's dry.

[Gene M.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Gene do you thin the lysol 50/50? Also do you have a ultra sonic cleaner? if so what brand as i would like to pick one up.

Bob
No exact measure required about a cup Lysol and quart of water. The Lysol is pretty concentrated stuff. It will heat up as it sits in tank and that adds to the effectiveness of cleaning.

Can't answer second part as I let a friend use it. He passed away. Something like 4 years ago .......... Not something I would ask the family for now.

When I have the need for one I 'll shop around for another.

[John 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

Bob, If you had your valve covers refinished 6 years ago then it shouldn't take too much to make their presentable.
Put them in a laundry tub with Tide detergent and hot water. Gently scrub them with a sponge and or rags. Then rinse and blow dry. John

[Ed S.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Just to ensure we are all on the same sheet of music, is this the "Lysol" you all are talking about?

[Mark E.]

Re: cleaning 57 finned aluminum valve covers

Lysol for degreasing is a new trick to me.

From Google:

Lysol (/ˈlaɪsɒl/ lye-sol) is a brand name of cleaning and disinfecting products distributed by Reckitt Benckiser. The line includes solutions for hard and soft surfaces, air treatment, and hand washing. The active ingredient in many of the Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride. The active ingredient in the Lysol Power and Free line is hydrogen peroxide.

A benign yet effective alternative is dish detergent. I like concentrated Dawn. Mix it with hot water in a spray bottle, apply, wait a few minutes, then rinse. It's a cheap, safe, yet super effective degreaser.