How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TobyArnot · 07-18-2013, 07:58 AM

I'm about to tear into my engine bay to install a serpentine belt set-up and I would like to do a little clean-up on the Edelbrock manifold already in place. Any suggestion how to get some of the oil stains off the surface? I'm thinking I might shoot some "brake-clean" on it or maybe some "Dawn and white vinegar mix". Any other tips? Thanks for your thoughts.

Fldawg · 07-18-2013, 09:48 AM

if you can get your hands on some simple green aircraft cleaner that stuff works great, i cleaned my engine after the truck came from the paint shop and it did't hurt the new paint. just spayed it on and hosed it off

oldblue1968chevy · 07-18-2013, 11:16 AM

purple power simple green.

Or some aluminum cleaner even. I would clear it or paint it afterwards though

trucks72 · 07-18-2013, 11:41 AM

Sand blast them with baking soda. Doesnot eat into them. Makes the look like new.

TobyArnot · 07-18-2013, 12:43 PM

I've found some Simple Green Aircraft cleaner on line and it's on the way.

Quote:

Sand blast them with baking soda. Does not eat into them. Makes the look like new

I'm not going to pull the intake, so blasting is not an option.
Thanks guys for the input!

72 Sierra · 07-18-2013, 12:54 PM

I just did this..Got some purple power degreaser and mothers aluminum mag cleaner.also some wire detail brushes.from auto zone. clean with degreaser first then mothers cleaner.use detail brushes to get off stubborn stuff.also a lot of towels you will need them.turned out good.my intake was on the motor to.

Madtat · 07-18-2013, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trucks72

sand blast them with baking soda. Doesnot eat into them. Makes the look like new.

^^^x2

**Daubs** · 07-18-2013, 02:03 PM

Previous owner painted my Edelbrock Aluminum intake. I wire wheeled it, then cleaned up with thinner...then sprayed aluminum rattle can engine paint. It's held up well for 4+ years.

Daner · 07-18-2013, 02:08 PM

If you ever take it off a pressure washer with a boiler on it works great.

**StingRay** · 07-18-2013, 02:19 PM

Blast with glass bead if you have it off. It will look like it came out of the box.

Fldawg · 07-18-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

purple power simple green.

Or some aluminum cleaner even. I would clear it or paint it afterwards though

don't mean to step on toes but most intakes I've seen cleared turn yellow and it doesn't take long

Rufton · 07-18-2013, 06:33 PM

I don't like clear either. If intake has a hint of a leak I'd pull and media blast w/ glass bead (as mentioned). I've tried acid bright, etc. but not muck luck. Glass bead was fast and easy except you may need better excuse to pull it. Does anyone have pics of Aluminum cleaned w/ chemical?

Below is pic of stained intake after glass bead blast.

Tinkermc · 07-18-2013, 06:46 PM

Glass bead blast cabinet will leave it like brank new.

GRX · 07-18-2013, 07:05 PM

Remember, cast aluminum is porous. If the intake was installed bare (no paint etc) and is really greasy & oily you had better be darn sure you get ALL of that out of the metal or you'll be hard pressed to get paint to stick for any amount of time. De-greasing & glass beading is a good start. Then bake in an oven to remove all moisture. Paint with hi-temp of your choice, let dry for a short time, then cure in a 450 degree oven for 6 hours so the paint can "soak in" as it were. I have done many intakes that way. The Edelbrock on my GTO still looks great over 20 years later.

gotchamel · 07-18-2013, 07:06 PM

Zep makes a product for aluminium called Zepalume.I have used it alot just not on an intake manifold.It is an acid based cleaner.

**special-K** · 07-19-2013, 09:45 AM

Powdercoat with stainless exhaust coating and forget about it.

oldblue1968chevy · 07-19-2013, 11:16 AM

Not stepping on toes here. I just know that if gas leaks on it it stains and almost soaks in

Rufton · 07-19-2013, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Not stepping on toes here. I just know that if gas leaks on it it stains and almost soaks in

Stains the powder coat also?

solidaxel · 07-19-2013, 01:57 PM

Watching this one !
Watch the brake clean around rubber seals!

74baggedbug · 07-19-2013, 06:18 PM

Just got some simple green extreme aircraft cleaner but won't be able to try it till Sunday evening when I get off work.. Ill let you know the results
Posted via Mobile Device

**special-K** · 07-20-2013, 09:06 AM

How does cast wheel cleaner work? How about vinegar?

skorpioskorpio · 07-20-2013, 09:57 AM

A good trick from the bike restorer world where lots of the exposed bits are cast aluminum. get a big bucket of Pine-sol and let it soak for a couple days, it will take all the staining out. I does not remove any corrosion, but it does lift those stains that soak in out.

07-18-2013, 07:58 AM	#1
TobyArnot Quit if it's not FUN!!! Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Indian Trail, N.C, Posts: 864	How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? I'm about to tear into my engine bay to install a serpentine belt set-up and I would like to do a little clean-up on the Edelbrock manifold already in place. Any suggestion how to get some of the oil stains off the surface? I'm thinking I might shoot some "brake-clean" on it or maybe some "Dawn and white vinegar mix". Any other tips? Thanks for your thoughts.

07-18-2013, 09:48 AM	#2
Fldawg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lynn Haven Florida Posts: 1,019	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? if you can get your hands on some simple green aircraft cleaner that stuff works great, i cleaned my engine after the truck came from the paint shop and it did't hurt the new paint. just spayed it on and hosed it off

07-18-2013, 11:16 AM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? purple power simple green. Or some aluminum cleaner even. I would clear it or paint it afterwards though __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

07-18-2013, 11:41 AM	#4
trucks72 trucks72 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Crossville Posts: 315	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Sand blast them with baking soda. Doesnot eat into them. Makes the look like new.

07-18-2013, 12:54 PM	#6
72 Sierra Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Rensselaer,In. Posts: 38	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? I just did this..Got some purple power degreaser and mothers aluminum mag cleaner.also some wire detail brushes.from auto zone. clean with degreaser first then mothers cleaner.use detail brushes to get off stubborn stuff.also a lot of towels you will need them.turned out good.my intake was on the motor to.

07-18-2013, 02:03 PM	#8
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 613	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Previous owner painted my Edelbrock Aluminum intake. I wire wheeled it, then cleaned up with thinner...then sprayed aluminum rattle can engine paint. It's held up well for 4+ years. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

07-18-2013, 02:08 PM	#9
Daner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Wildrose, North Dakota Posts: 300	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? If you ever take it off a pressure washer with a boiler on it works great. __________________ Dane 67 Chevy Fleet 250/4 speed 1/2 ton 68 Chevy 250/4 speed 1/2 ton for parts 49 GMC Grain truck 235 1 1/2 ton 76 Chevy 350/4 speed 1/2 ton

07-18-2013, 02:19 PM	#10
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Blast with glass bead if you have it off. It will look like it came out of the box. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

07-18-2013, 06:33 PM	#12
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? I don't like clear either. If intake has a hint of a leak I'd pull and media blast w/ glass bead (as mentioned). I've tried acid bright, etc. but not muck luck. Glass bead was fast and easy except you may need better excuse to pull it. Does anyone have pics of Aluminum cleaned w/ chemical? Below is pic of stained intake after glass bead blast. Attached Images

07-18-2013, 06:46 PM	#13
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,026	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Glass bead blast cabinet will leave it like brank new.

07-18-2013, 07:05 PM	#14
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Remember, cast aluminum is porous. If the intake was installed bare (no paint etc) and is really greasy & oily you had better be darn sure you get ALL of that out of the metal or you'll be hard pressed to get paint to stick for any amount of time. De-greasing & glass beading is a good start. Then bake in an oven to remove all moisture. Paint with hi-temp of your choice, let dry for a short time, then cure in a 450 degree oven for 6 hours so the paint can "soak in" as it were. I have done many intakes that way. The Edelbrock on my GTO still looks great over 20 years later. __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.

07-18-2013, 07:06 PM	#15
gotchamel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: islamorada fl. Posts: 466	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Zep makes a product for aluminium called Zepalume.I have used it alot just not on an intake manifold.It is an acid based cleaner.

07-19-2013, 09:45 AM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Powdercoat with stainless exhaust coating and forget about it. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-19-2013, 11:16 AM	#17
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Not stepping on toes here. I just know that if gas leaks on it it stains and almost soaks in __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

07-19-2013, 01:57 PM	#19
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Watching this one ! Watch the brake clean around rubber seals! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42



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07-19-2013, 06:18 PM	#20
74baggedbug Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston tx Posts: 701	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? Just got some simple green extreme aircraft cleaner but won't be able to try it till Sunday evening when I get off work.. Ill let you know the results Posted via Mobile Device

07-20-2013, 09:06 AM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? How does cast wheel cleaner work? How about vinegar? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-20-2013, 09:57 AM	#22
skorpioskorpio Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,018	Re: How to "clean" an Aluminum Intake? A good trick from the bike restorer world where lots of the exposed bits are cast aluminum. get a big bucket of Pine-sol and let it soak for a couple days, it will take all the staining out. I does not remove any corrosion, but it does lift those stains that soak in out.

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