Cleaning Aluminium

Going to have a go at cleaning the water pump housing.

Already tried dilute Wonder Wheels in the ultrasonic tank, this is the result.



So, it's oven cleaner + dishwasher time.

Mr Muscle or Betaware Carbon Remover

 

Mr Muscle applied on the upper surface.



Carbon Remover on the lower.



The Carbon Remover is vaery old, 20 years or so. It's gone thick and black and the fumes are aweful.

 

Out of the dishwasher. Still not clean.

Back into the Ultrasonic tank with dilute Wonder Wheels.

 

i've used a nicely worn-out wire brush in a drill before, lubricated with some wd40. the aluminium oxide which rubs off gets caught in the oil and acts as a mild abrasive, i did my gearbox like this last summer then washed it and it still hasn't dulled.

i've tried dishwashering a few ally bits but it seems to make the fusty white stuff rise to the surface for some reason.

 

Anyone tried this from Frosts?

 

I used a wire drill attachment

 

a small shot blast gun would beat any product on the market I reckon.

 

bet its just wheel cleaner

degrease it ...wire brush and alight coat of wheel silver makes things look pretty much new

 

when its as bad as pictured blast cleaning with acrylic beads would be best.

 

blasting is what I do for ally bits I want to clean, always come up nice.

 

I agree completely, regarding bead blasting, but I don't have compresser anymore. I had to leave this, and all my other workshop machines, in the UK when I moved back to Ireland 10 years ago.

I am not looking for a painted or shiny finish, just clean, even dull aluminium.

The Frosts AliClean may work as it is 30% phosphric acid, most wheel cleaners I've seen are about 5% Hydrochloric acid:

Frost Ali-Clean

Brightens dull or corroded aluminium wheels, castings, and fabrications

Directions
Spray onto area to be cleaned. Work in with a stiff nylon bristled brush. Allow a few minutes for Ali-Clean to work, then wash off with water. Heavily soiled or corroded pieces may require several applications.
Correctly used this product will not affect paintwork and contains no abrasives.
Avoid use on polished surfaces as this may cause discolouration and streaking.

Uses

Specially formulated for cleaning aluminium un-polished Castings, rims, spokes, and fabrications.

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE / PREPARATION AND OF THE COMPANY / UNDERTAKING
Product name: ALUMINIUM CLEANER Synonyms: AC
ALICLEAN
Use / description of product: Very toxic. Corrosive. Liquid.
2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Ingredient 1: ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID 20-35%
CAS: 7664-38-2 EINECS: 231-633-2 [C] R34;
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Main hazards: Causes burns.

 

Or just buy a complete new pump and housing from VW - 25 exchange!

 

light coat of paint over cleaned up alloy looks just about like new parts ..doenst shine or look glossy

i dont think any of these products will bring it up like new tbh

cant u remove all the ropey bits and take em to a blaster ?

 

Did not know that an exchange unit was available.

It's not just the water pump, that was just experimental as I had to put a new pump on the AUDI 100. I want to be able to clean any aluminium at home, at any time. Don't know where the nearest bead blaster is, probably Dublin? Plus, you have the have spare cash to get bead blasting done. I am time rich, cash very poor!

The housing was off my old PB. Turns out it is a different housing to the Audi anyway. So the Audi one just went back on as it came off. The power steering pump bracket was wire brushed.

 

best degreaser for a gearbox?

had a go with some gunk/petrol and a brush, then hosed it of, has improved it but its still very filthy.

whats the most effective way of getting it all off?

 

With you for degreasing, always use Gunk or Jizer, but it won't take of corrosion.
Why don't you try this and let us know how good it is:




I'm not sending for any until you UK lot try it!!

 

the box won't be corroded its got to much greasy grime on it

Will stick it in the car and take it to the jetwash over the weekend, the boys next door never did do that for me

See what mum has in the cupboard to. something will have to make light work of it, gunk isn't really touching it to well. I want something that cuts through it.. .Cillit bang do anything strong?

 

Tried cleaning my gearbox last weekend with Gunk, absolute rubbish, waste of money.

 

its done nothing but spread the muck about so far

 

I used it last weekend on mine and it was ok,got a bit off wire drill attachment and jet wash to finish

Still dirty