Hey guys, I recently picked up this aluminum intake, it's grimy and I wanted to know your opinions on sand blasting it to clean it up like new. Then cleaning it really well in hot solvent, I cleaned it once in hot solvent but it didn't come out as well as I'd hoped, that's why I'm looking at sand blasting it. Thanks for your input and insight. Doug
Bead blast usually works wonders; but I've have very fine results with a light wire wheel on a drill too; and then just keep it clean regularly.
In the dishwasher with Cascade detergent makes them look fabulous. Be prepared to be assaulted by the wife if you get caught
Super Clean degreaser first. Then this stuff. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-S...Metal-Prep-Rust-Inhibitor-GKPA30220/100406369
Acid tanks will eat aluminum... Plus a machine shop would never do it.. 20 bucks to wash it. 6+ hours cleaning tank after the aluminum
Well around here that is the term the machine shops use. Not sure what chemical(s) they actually use but the parts come out nice, clean and shiny. Keith
Thanks for the input guys, I'm open to trying different things on it. Reason I asked about sandblasting is I have one at work I can use. The dishwasher is a great idea, but then that would bring the wrath from the wife, I'd like to forgo that if possible. I'll try these out and see what results I get. Thanks again for the insights! Doug
You are using the word sandblaster.. Sand blasting is ok for iron. It will tear up aluminum.. Beadblasting is aluminum safe.
I sand blasted my aluminum intake. Removed all the old dirt and paint. Turned out excellent. I left it like that and its still looking great.
Degrease it as much as you can with some diesel fuel or gas. Then get a 4.00 gallon of muriatic and wash it with a paint brush, rinse and let dry in the sun. If it dries too dull go after it with a wire brush on a drill. Clear coat when finished. The aluminum paint/clear worked well for my cast iron manifold.
