Cleaning cast aluminum components under the hood

[mooch91]

Most newer cars have a lot of cast aluminum components under the hood. Things like brackets, intakes, etc., that have a real rough and grainy appearance. These things seem to hold the dirt more than others as a result of their rough finish. They're often not easy access to clean mechanically with a small brush.

I've done a complete engine detail using APC+ and water from a hose. Painted and polished surfaces look awesome, these cast pieces still show traces of "ground in dirt" in the pores.

Anything I can use to clean them? I can post a pic if it help.s

Thanks!

[Nappers]

Re: Cleaning cast aluminum components under the hood

I've had great luck using Hot Rims All Wheel cleaner and have dabbled with Eagle 1 Etching Wheel cleaner (acid) but please be careful in you go with the latter and test spot, acid is to be respected!!!!!!

I only do the acid on occasion as needed and not a usual cleaner!

[Eddie6th]

Re: Cleaning cast aluminum components under the hood

Are the pores black or white?

[mooch91]

Re: Cleaning cast aluminum components under the hood

Are the pores black or white?

I don't know, hard to say, a combination of both?

Here's a quick picture, not the best, but it might give some insight. How would you get this bracket clean? When it was new, it had a clean cast appearance. You can see how dingy it looks now. It's a rough surface, so that dirt doesn't just wipe off.



Thanks. I'll see if I can find some better pictures to show what I'm talking about.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Cleaning cast aluminum components under the hood

It's hard,dirty work. Steel wool with a bit of WD40 works well to get rid of the spots. After,you can polish up with Hot rims mag & aluminium polish. I did this about three months ago and the parts came really good and shiny.
That's a link for mine.

'93 Civic Engine bay

Don't use the steel wool on smooth polished aluminium surfaces or it will scuff them.