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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 67428GT500 on June 07, 2019, 11:10:48 PM

Title: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: 67428GT500 on June 07, 2019, 11:10:48 PM

I have a set of Edelbrock heads that will need to be cleaned as I don't want to paint them blue.  I have used the mag wheel cleaner for as cast aluminum wheels to clean factory intakes and T-sump aluminum pans in the past. Is this what most of you use, or do you have another trick up your sleeve you'd be willing to share to make them look new?
                                                                    -Keith

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: fekbmax on June 08, 2019, 06:37:27 AM

I use the etching type aluminum cleaner. Does an outstanding job.

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: 67428GT500 on June 08, 2019, 06:39:42 AM

Keith: For cleaning as cast rims?
                                              -Keith

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: fekbmax on June 08, 2019, 06:50:18 AM

https://www.overtons.com/caliber-alumi-etch-aluminum-cleaner-quart-310096.html?s_kwcid=adwords__&gclid=CjwKEAjwue3nBRCCyrqY0c7bw2wSJACSlmGZ-65nyWlV9-wHpB_LwmA1WETMVQRwAEQStSwIXF8T2xoCGNfw_wcB

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: 67428GT500 on June 08, 2019, 07:23:59 AM

I just ordered it. Thank you.

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: jmlay on June 08, 2019, 08:04:38 AM

Would an etching cleaner be too much for the machines surfaces?

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: fryedaddy on June 08, 2019, 08:15:34 AM

it can be deluded with water to get it at whatever strength you want

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: Gregwill16 on June 08, 2019, 08:40:30 AM

Thanks for the link Keith, I ordered some as well.

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: Chrisss31 on June 08, 2019, 10:22:33 AM

Quote from: jmlay on June 08, 2019, 08:04:38 AM

Would an etching cleaner be too much for the machines surfaces?

It won't harm the machined surfaces but they will turn white.

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: Joe-JDC on June 08, 2019, 05:09:23 PM

Diluted vs deluded.  Thinned out vs fooled.  LOL,  Sorry, the teacher in me came out.  Joe-JDC

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: 67428GT500 on June 08, 2019, 05:32:27 PM

Joe: Hucked En Phunics Werked fer Eu Tu?  ;D
I try so hard not to be a grammar nazi. 
                                               -Keith

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: 67428GT500 on June 08, 2019, 06:44:05 PM

Keith; Do they maintain a sheen as cast with this cleaner, or do they wind up flat aluminum?

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: Nightmist66 on June 08, 2019, 07:17:41 PM

I bought a gallon of the Purple Power Aluminum Brightener from my local store Farm&Fleet. Works pretty good. It will give a flat aluminum finish, but cleans fairly well. Didn't seem to really hurt the machined surfaces.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/717601-purple-power-aluminum-brightener.html?feedsource=4&utm_medium=lia&adlpxid=pla;638649270617;331823946156;t;9022026;pla-638649270617;717601;pla;local;15&gclid=CKnC3o6P2-ICFVm5wAod1kQOlA

Title: Re: How to clean the exterior of Aluminum heads?
Post by: fekbmax on June 08, 2019, 07:33:09 PM

I have never had a prob with it. Just follow the directions and dont let it set on it to long. I'd clean the head first if it's real dirty or oily with degreaser or purple.  Be sure to rinse it off good before useing the etching cleaner. Normaly it ends up looking like fresh aluminum.  I did a real ugly dark grey set of heads with 2 or 3 treatments and they came out so clean they looked almost white. Works great on intakes to.
Again, READ THE DIRECTIONS and always do a small test first.