View Full Version : Cleaning aluminum intake
firez
10-07-2009, 04:24 PM
I had my 68 Z out for a ride and developed a fuel leak. Any ideas short of removing the intake how to clean the stains from the hot fuel with the intake on the car? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
m22mike
10-07-2009, 04:32 PM
You will probably get allot of good idea's, so here is mine that I have had good lock with.
Cut down a china bristle brush and scrub the crap out of it with WD 40 and see if that works.
WD will not hurt any of the plated bolts etc. Be carfull with acid base stuff around plating.
Mike
DarrenX33
10-07-2009, 04:51 PM
For cleaning oil, fuel or antifreeze I spot clean my intake with a touch of brake cleaner on a clean rag. If they are really tough stains you can spray directly but just be careful of your surrounded painted areas. And wear gloves and eye protection. I do this routinely on my cars to keep them looking fresh.
Charley Lillard
10-07-2009, 05:00 PM
carb cleaner usually works.
MosportGreen66
10-07-2009, 05:26 PM
Eagle One Self Etching Aluminum cleaner and some 0000 steel wool
SuperNovaSS
10-07-2009, 07:42 PM
Don't use the etching cleaner while the intake is on the car. I used it on my 68 Pontiac and the entire MSD system was the price.
Jason
ORIGLS6
10-07-2009, 07:52 PM
I agree with Jason on the Eagle One product. Works great but I wouldn't use it while the intake is on the car.
Charley's & Darren's suggestions usually works well for me if the stain is fresh but I'd build a 'dam' of sorts around the area you're cleaning. Just some paper towels wadded up will work. Spray the carb/brake cleaner directly on the stains and let the surrounding paper towel 'dam' absorb the run-off. Scrubbing with the 'trimmed' china bristle brush or an old toothbrush helps too.
MosportGreen66
10-07-2009, 08:07 PM
I guess I'm careful. Never had an issue with etching. Interesting to note guys. Thanks.
firez
10-07-2009, 08:09 PM
Thanks guys I am firing up the garage furnace this afternoon and try the suggestions .Thanks again for the help
firez
10-07-2009, 09:00 PM
Just got started and I have to say when you mix WD40 and brake cleaner together it cleans aluminum intakes like nothing I have seen. Again this site came through.
ORIGLS6
10-07-2009, 09:11 PM
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I guess I'm careful. Never had an issue with etching. Interesting to note guys. Thanks.
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Some of us are just sloppy Dan. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
firez
10-07-2009, 09:16 PM
I would have tried the etching but I did not have any at the house so I went with what I had.
DarrenX33
10-07-2009, 09:21 PM
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I guess I'm careful. Never had an issue with etching. Interesting to note guys. Thanks.
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Some of us are just sloppy Dan. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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I have used that as well and with great results. Recently used it for my L78 intake. Dan, don't the instructions say to rinse throughly with water after it soaks and not to leave it to dry? That's why I would have never thought to use it while the intake is installed, thinking it would make a mess and run onto painted parts. Just wondering how you do it..
MosportGreen66
10-07-2009, 09:31 PM
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I guess I'm careful. Never had an issue with etching. Interesting to note guys. Thanks.
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Some of us are just sloppy Dan. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
And some of us don't follow directions... ha! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Darren, spray a little on the steel wool and apply where needed. Thats how I've done it for minor touch ups.
-Dan
DarrenX33
10-07-2009, 09:50 PM
Good to know.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
Mr.Nickey Nova
10-08-2009, 03:02 AM
Like Charley said,carb cleaner works good at removing those fuel leak stains.Have used it a few times myself.
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