Alu Casting Cleaning
Discussion
I'm in a similar position. Yes, you can send them away to some company, but i'm sure there will be household chemicals that will do the same.
From what i could see, alkaline cleaners like wonderwheels will work, but some aero engine guy reckons they get black spots of carbon after a while. The other main set is acid based, like patio cleaner/ brick acid with is 10% hydrochloric.
For bits that have browned from oil, over cleaner is supposed to work, and the best stuff for removing carbon is nitromors, failing that, carb cleaner, but nitromors will sit on there in a gel and do it's stuff.
I've yet to try brick acid, so any better ideas on what to clean it with, and what to put on it after to keep it clean will be much appreciated.
From what i could see, alkaline cleaners like wonderwheels will work, but some aero engine guy reckons they get black spots of carbon after a while. The other main set is acid based, like patio cleaner/ brick acid with is 10% hydrochloric.
For bits that have browned from oil, over cleaner is supposed to work, and the best stuff for removing carbon is nitromors, failing that, carb cleaner, but nitromors will sit on there in a gel and do it's stuff.
I've yet to try brick acid, so any better ideas on what to clean it with, and what to put on it after to keep it clean will be much appreciated.
Don't shot blast them - you take off the protective top layer of material, and you'll just find they go furry in a matter of weeks (as opposed to lasting about 30 years before they needed attention in the first place).
Degreasers work for most dirt, but for really stubborn marks you need to use something really aggressive. CokeCola might be enough, or you can go as far as dichloromethane - but that's evil stuff, so we don't keep it in the house
Degreasers work for most dirt, but for really stubborn marks you need to use something really aggressive. CokeCola might be enough, or you can go as far as dichloromethane - but that's evil stuff, so we don't keep it in the house
fergus said:
Would drain cleaner work, or is it too aggressive. I'm in the smae boat - about to pull an engine out and would like to clean it up prior to giving it to the guy who has to work on it!
It depends on the type, check the bottle as there are different types of this. The full-on trade stuff is 98% Sulphuric acid, and it's better not going near that stuff without a chemical suit on, other will be chlorine bleach based, which could work out ok, but it'd try it first on a small spot, clean it up, then leave it overnight and see if its gone funny colours. 
paintman said:
Wonder Wheels is acid based.
According to the Tetrosyl MSDS sheet I have it contains, amongst other chemicals with long names:
Hydrochloric Acid
Phosphoric Acid
Acetic Acid
i knew i was one or the other, but i suppose the laws of chemistry say that!According to the Tetrosyl MSDS sheet I have it contains, amongst other chemicals with long names:
Hydrochloric Acid
Phosphoric Acid
Acetic Acid
Edited by paintman on Friday 6th November 14:22
I think the guy mentioned phosphoric acid, and acetic acid is vinegar. I do know someone that bought trade 5l tubs of vinegar to soak rusty bits in and that worked, but that was more for iron/steel
General tips here, for a living i refurbish train brake and suspension components that have travelled 400,00 miles before refurbishment!
Try a dishwasher as suggested. We use water based detergents (safer to use) and have enormous parts washers (1.5m diameter). We do have to operate these at 85 degrees C. So set your dishwasher to HOT. This removes and degreases everything. (including removing paint)
The key element, in addition to the high temp, is high pressure. I appreciate this isn't something that's easy to control in your average domestic dishwasher.
Re; shot/bead blasting. Blasting parts is OK so long as you use the correct blast medium.
For aluminium make sure you ideally use crushed walnut shell or if not then a plastic shot. Don't use iron!
If your in the North East pm me and i'll help you out.
Try a dishwasher as suggested. We use water based detergents (safer to use) and have enormous parts washers (1.5m diameter). We do have to operate these at 85 degrees C. So set your dishwasher to HOT. This removes and degreases everything. (including removing paint)
The key element, in addition to the high temp, is high pressure. I appreciate this isn't something that's easy to control in your average domestic dishwasher.
Re; shot/bead blasting. Blasting parts is OK so long as you use the correct blast medium.
For aluminium make sure you ideally use crushed walnut shell or if not then a plastic shot. Don't use iron!
If your in the North East pm me and i'll help you out.
stinkysteve said:
Try a dishwasher as suggested. We use water based detergents (safer to use) and have enormous parts washers (1.5m diameter). We do have to operate these at 85 degrees C. So set your dishwasher to HOT. This removes and degreases everything. (including removing paint)
Ill second V8ian. Domestic dishwashers can do a surpisingly good job. Certainly did on the BSA casings I did - with an old one that was NOT in use in the kitchen.Just be VERY sure you don't get caught!
Edited by paintman on Sunday 8th November 18:53
paintman said:
stinkysteve said:
Try a dishwasher as suggested. We use water based detergents (safer to use) and have enormous parts washers (1.5m diameter). We do have to operate these at 85 degrees C. So set your dishwasher to HOT. This removes and degreases everything. (including removing paint)
Ill second V8ian. Domestic dishwashers can do a surpisingly good job. Certainly did on the BSA casings I did - with an old one that was NOT in use in the kitchen.Just be VERY sure you don't get caught!
Edited by paintman on Sunday 8th November 18:53
phumy said:
paintman said:
stinkysteve said:
Try a dishwasher as suggested. We use water based detergents (safer to use) and have enormous parts washers (1.5m diameter). We do have to operate these at 85 degrees C. So set your dishwasher to HOT. This removes and degreases everything. (including removing paint)
Ill second V8ian. Domestic dishwashers can do a surpisingly good job. Certainly did on the BSA casings I did - with an old one that was NOT in use in the kitchen.Just be VERY sure you don't get caught!
Edited by paintman on Sunday 8th November 18:53
Steve
stevesingo said:
Thanks for the info guys. I have told the missus that I AM using the dishwasher tomorrow. (No sex tonight, or for the near future) I will take some before and after pics (not of my black eyes) for educational purposes.
Steve
If you really need to post pictures of before and after sex then feel free, but im sure we only need to see the car part Steve
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