cleaning alloy

[aussie merc]

found that pot of gold but now need to clean it [ factory alloy heads ] and this set is in good nick not corroded wall hangers but have years of accumulated crud all over them have pressure washed them a couple of times but just cant lift the deep stuff out of the cast .Want to get that as cast look not polished any suggestions as to how to clean that deep gunk out

[flatford8]

A mild acid? Maybe try vinegar in a place that doesn’t show as a test.......Mark

[Kurt in NJ]

Plastic media blasting, it will remove dirt, slowly removing some paint, slight polishing

[A bones]

I would first try hot water, time to soak in liquid dish soap. ( NOT dishwasher detergent: that can do nasty things ) Give the heat and soap time to soak through the ages of crud. We have a soap here called Dawn that is very effective and safe. Should that fail. The stuff known as Goo Gone ( kind of of a bug and tar remover ) may help. The important thing to avoid is any thing caustic. It took time to get to get where they are, may take time to recover.

[CA Victoria]

Simple green?
Lemi-shine?

[A bones]

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Simple Green can burn. Always, I avoid that, and Purple Power.
I've spent too much time ( approaching a decade soon ) in the hospital from blood disorders gained through use of chemicals.

[cas3]

Check with a local trucking co. to see what they use on aluminum. Where I used to work, the mechanic would spray " Agent Orange", the brand name, on all the aluminum tanks and wheels. Spray it on, leave it set for 20mn. or so, then wash it off. It cleans without scrubbing, leaves aluminum a dull natural finish. Probably a similar product down under

[hotcoupe]

"Bonderite 33" is the product that I use to clean aluminum. That is it's intended purpose, it is 33% phosphoric acid. Used as directed, it will not harm your parts, they will be clean. Used it many times.
Tom

[Jdee]

Maybe try some Gibbs Brand I have cleaned up some nasty parts with it .
https://youtu.be/-NVvhAYv6hM

[mike in tucson]

I was putting the aluminum Ford heads back onto my 59L and accidentally got some silver anti-seize on the head. I wiped it off with a rag and VIOLA, it took the stains off (or it hid them). Heads looked new. Try it on the underside to test. Now, I occasionally
wipe the heads down with anti-seize.... wear gloves or your fingers will look like the tin man's hands.

[danliveshere]

I have a guy next door who does water vapour blasting, and uses a plastic medium mixed in the water. I gave him a 35 inlet manifold, came back like brand new with zero damage. They specialise in cleaning up motor cycle engine parts etc.

[motordr]

I have used aluminum wheel cleaner. It comes in a handy spray bottle and you can use the leftover on your modern ride.

[aussie merc]

well i never ! my other half came up with an absolute winner; leave the heads in the sun let them heat up paint liberily with olive oil[yeh olive oil] leave for a couple of hours in the sun then scrub in weak mild dish washing liquid. Result they look like there fresh out of the mould .

[john greco]

Vapor blasting

[hotrodart]

Originally Posted by aussie merc

well i never ! my other half came up with an absolute winner; leave the heads in the sun let them heat up paint liberily with olive oil[yeh olive oil] leave for a couple of hours in the sun then scrub in weak mild dish washing liquid. Result they look like there fresh out of the mould .

Any pix you can post would be appreciated.....