Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72step · 03-17-2007, 09:37 AM

I'm waiting for a new carb on order, and wondering if anyone has any tricks to clean an aluminum intake. Mine's been there 10 years, and has some baked in oil stains and such, and am wondering if there as any easy way of cleaning it without having to take it off and down to a machine shop so they can dip it in vat? Thanks.........

herb101 · 03-17-2007, 09:57 AM

You might try brake parts cleaner or straight acetone. Be sure the motor is cold, as the acetone (also an active ingredient in the brake cleaner) flashes off fast already - even faster when warmer.

If you do take it off, a bead blast session will make it look great.

Herb

RustyParts · 03-17-2007, 09:59 AM

I use a sandblaster to clean mine make sure you cover the machined surfaces with duct tape before you do.

*72CSTC5* · 03-17-2007, 10:09 AM

I have used that Eagle One Aluminum Mag Wheel cleaner. It was awesome but burned your eyes if you sprayed it and the wind was blowing. Try it can't hurt.

zacut · 03-17-2007, 10:15 AM

Any foundry in your area that makes cast aluminum or cast iron part will have a wheelabrator. If you take it off this is much better than sand blasting. It will be pelted with vrey small steel shot. Cleans aluminum beautifully and leaves absolutely nothing behind to contaminate the engine.

hgs_notes · 03-17-2007, 11:01 AM

Hot Rod magazine has a product they just did a brief article on, let me grab it.

OK, it's Jakel Products Metal Cleaner. They tested it on a dirty edelbrock intake manifold and were happy with the results.

HG

stepside454 · 03-17-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

I have used that Eagle One Aluminum Mag Wheel cleaner. It was awesome but burned your eyes if you sprayed it and the wind was blowing. Try it can't hurt.

Yep, this stuuf works good, if its not a polished intake, get the self etching version, works real well

Wootdog · 03-17-2007, 12:18 PM

Try Flitz. It will clean up anything. Kerry

03-17-2007, 09:37 AM	#1
72step Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: chimayo, nm, usa Posts: 898	Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? I'm waiting for a new carb on order, and wondering if anyone has any tricks to clean an aluminum intake. Mine's been there 10 years, and has some baked in oil stains and such, and am wondering if there as any easy way of cleaning it without having to take it off and down to a machine shop so they can dip it in vat? Thanks.........

03-17-2007, 09:57 AM	#2
herb101 Used Register Join Date: May 2005 Location: Live Oak, TX Posts: 379	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? You might try brake parts cleaner or straight acetone. Be sure the motor is cold, as the acetone (also an active ingredient in the brake cleaner) flashes off fast already - even faster when warmer. If you do take it off, a bead blast session will make it look great. Herb Last edited by herb101; 03-17-2007 at 09:59 AM.

03-17-2007, 09:59 AM	#3
RustyParts Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wyman, Kentucky Posts: 403	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? I use a sandblaster to clean mine make sure you cover the machined surfaces with duct tape before you do. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy, 4WD, 454 CI, 350 Turbo, 4" lift, 35" tires The math teacher said my son "Bubba" could be a mathmatical genius. cause he's got 13 fingers!

03-17-2007, 10:09 AM	#4
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,524	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? I have used that Eagle One Aluminum Mag Wheel cleaner. It was awesome but burned your eyes if you sprayed it and the wind was blowing. Try it can't hurt.

03-17-2007, 10:15 AM	#5
zacut 67 chevy SWB Fleetside Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 61115 Posts: 80	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? Any foundry in your area that makes cast aluminum or cast iron part will have a wheelabrator. If you take it off this is much better than sand blasting. It will be pelted with vrey small steel shot. Cleans aluminum beautifully and leaves absolutely nothing behind to contaminate the engine. __________________ 67 Chevy C10 Short Wide 350/350 ... Front Discs ... ECE Lowered 2.5/4 Vintage Air ... Oak Bed Floor ... Painless Wiring Brothers 1 pc Windows ... Lokar Pedals, Shifter, E-brake Ididit Column ... VDO guages

03-17-2007, 11:01 AM	#6
hgs_notes GEARHEAD Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 6,126	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? Hot Rod magazine has a product they just did a brief article on, let me grab it. OK, it's Jakel Products Metal Cleaner. They tested it on a dirty edelbrock intake manifold and were happy with the results. HG __________________ If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 Long Fleet C/10 72 Jimmy 4x4 (Junkyard Jimmy) HG's Plow Truck '78 K35 Dually Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff

03-17-2007, 12:18 PM	#8
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,677	Re: Aluminum Intake Manifold Cleaning Ideas? Try Flitz. It will clean up anything. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

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