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A method to clean aluminum engine cases???

R

robsryder

Motorcycleton
I found this video on YouTube - the cleaning method shown would seem to apply to aluminum engine cases. Based on the video one uses 100% Vinegar (which is acetic acid), polysorb, and petroleum jelly (vaseline) in a mixture. The video shows this stuff as a paint remover, so some caution might be in order. Even though it is "vinegar", I would suggest wearing some gloves and eye protection. [Note: I have not tried using this concoction, nor have I made up a batch.]

I could only find 99% vinegar on the 'zon and the polysorb is a bit costly for a small amount. Vaseline is fairly cheap.

 
Here is another "interesting" video regarding de-rusting steel. It uses water, salt (NaCl), citric acid, and 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). I'd still suggest gloves and eye protection. Years ago I purchased a 5 speed airhead transmission on ebay. When it arrived the gears would not turn. It looked like the bike (or transmission) was outside and the speedo cable boot was missing or degraded. The gears had a layer of rust just above where the oil level would have been. Maybe this goop could remove most of the rust from the gears? I would not try and use this gear box, but it might be an interesting experiment...

 
Looks like Evapo-Rust is pretty widely available in my area. I think that I'll get some and see how it works on some rusty gears.
 
A blast from the past ... former BMWMOA ON Airhead guru "Oak" recommended aluminum screen door cleaner back in the '70s. Can you find that in 2025?
 
I do recall the discussion between Oak and others regarding aluminum cleaners. I don't recall the specific product other than it contained hydrofluoric acid (HF). While HF is an effective cleaner / brightener of aluminum, there are some downsides to its use. Never-the-less one can still obtain an aluminum cleaner containing HF; links follow -

Aluma | Aluminum Brightener

Aluminum cleaner and brightener removes oxidation corrosion and scale. A concentrated hydrofluoric acid solution to restore original shine and luster.
www.chemexindustries.com www.chemexindustries.com

More info on use of HF as a cleaner -
guardianchem.com

The Hazards of Using Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) in Industrial Cleaning. Alternative Cleaners to Help You Get the Job Done Safely.

Are you still using hydrofluoric acid for industrial cleaning? Discover the dangers of HF and safer alternatives. Read the article today!
guardianchem.com guardianchem.com
 
The product Oak mentioned was Aluminu with a label Nice N Easy. I think I tried this a long time ago and I don't think I was that impressed. Maybe I didn't follow the directions!!
 
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