Intake manifold refinishing.

[Richard G.]

Recently I had my intake refinished. I took everything off of it and the cost was $150 to refinish. There was no additional sprayed on finish on the intake when I got it back. It looked great and seems to be reasonable tightly sealed.

I recently got access to a vibratory finisher, which i know GM used to finish the manifolds originally.
I have a couple other intakes I would like to refinish. What I don't know is the type and size of media to use.
Anyone have any experience with this process? I would appreciate any ideas as I plan on giving it a try.
Rick

[Steven B.]

Re: Intake manifold refinishing.

Decades ago while at Maremont Corp. we cleaned up some parts, including backing plates for GM Foundry & Dayton plant. We used 1/4 inch shot for steel in a Wheel-A-Brator. We did a small amount of AL and used the smallest we could get-cant remember the size but it was about the size of grits. I used on some AL and it worked well but left them in for a short time-checked every 30 seconds or so.

[Leonard M.]

Re: Intake manifold refinishing.

I cleaned 3 manifolds and the valve covers as best as possible using Eagle 1 etching mag wheel cleaner. That cleaner is meant for raw aluminum and will damage the finish on polished parts. Next I used a Soda Blaster (harbor freight or eastwood) and was very satisfied with the results. Only problem is that the soda will make a mess and kill your grass; even though I used a tarp and soaked the area afterwards)! If I were to do it again I would probably clean the parts myself and go to a commercial blaster.

[Richard G.]

Re: Intake manifold refinishing.

Thanks for sharing.
Soda Blasting is always touted as environmentally friendly.
I used it for cleaning my C2 headlight gearboxes. Couldn't have been happier with the finish.
It killed my grass too. Not mentioned in the MSDS. <LOL>

I have a glass bead cabinet but wasn't interested in changing out the abrasive for a couple small parts.
I found a great deal on a made in USA cabinet that is much smaller.
I plan on using it for soda blasting. I don't know if it will work out.
If i have to I can use the HF blaster and just keep the mess enclosed using the cabinet.
Rick