Cleaning oxidized alloy

[AshimotoK0]

Hi ... Anyone have a magical chemical formula for removing white oxidation from aluminium wheel hubs? Before you say it don't recommend elbow grease or an Aquablaster / Vapourblaster. I do have large powerful Ultrasonic cleaner though (big enough for at least two ali drum hubs). Thought maybe oxalic acid but evidently goes for aluminium aggressively (rhubarb in ali pan springs to mind).

BTW anyone know how to make a vapourblaster... now working for company who makes 160 bar water hydraulic pumps 3 days/week.

Got a few 250/350K hubs to clean including rare K0 ones.

Cheers .... AshD

[Green1]

Hi Ash Neat truck wash does quite a good job on furry Ali

Mick

[AshimotoK0]

What's Neat truck wash ? Is it some sort of chemical.
Cheers.. AshD

[kent400]

Alloy wheel cleaner could be worth a try.

[Green1]

Something like this I cant remember which one I used because my brother got it for me
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cyclone-Traffic-Film-Remover-Bug-Insect-Remover-Truck-Wash-10-LITRES1-600parts-/230950372796?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item35c5b705bc
The one I used was brilliant stuff I sprayed it under the bonnet of my truck when it covered its self in oil it made the furry Ali head look new.As long as you get a caustic one its marvelous stuff.

[Green1]

Thinking about it you could skip the truck wash and just use caustic soda just keep an eye on it as it eats Ali surprisingly fast.

[AshimotoK0]

Anyone used 'Marvel Mystery Oil' or 'Seafoam' .  Dig this ZZ Top Guy and don't be offended by the language

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ-uf4YyeHI

Cheers... AshD

[AshimotoK0]

http://seafoamsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MSDS_seafoam_EN.pdf

http://www.co.vermilion.il.us/MSDS/EMA/103-Marvil%20Mystery%20Oil.pdf

Don'y you just love MSDS data and patents for 'giving the game away'

Anyone reckon on using Zippo lighter fluid as substitute for Naptha? (not the same as napthalene 'mothballs')


Cheers.... AshD

[philward]

Hi Ash
I've used a 'blunted' rotary wire brush with good results on alloy parts. I use the rotary wire brush on steel parts to remove rust and when the wire strands are bent backwards (opposite direction to rotation)with aggressive use on steel (until wire wheel isn't making much affect on the rust/steel), they are ideal for removing the oxidisation and polishing the surface. I would obviously do a test piece before having a go on anything valuable. I've done my crankcases, hubs and carbs with good result.
And only 'semi elbow grease' required.
Phil

[Ecks]

A little while back I did a paint test on an aluminum plate brushed by various means.  The idea was to see how aggressive a brush I could use without having scratch marks show through after application of a matt silver engine paint.  The results were thus: 

• Hand-held wirebrush, as new:  Scratch marks visible.
• Drill-mounted steel wirebrush, heavy gauge, as new:  Scratch marks visible, with some deeper gouges.
• Bench grinder-mounted steel wirebrush, light gauge, with bristles bent back from previous use.  Some scratch marks visible where I pressed harder, otherwise paint appears uniform.
• Abrasive-impregnated nylon brush (see http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p90287: No scratch marks visible.

I found that the abrasive-impregnated nylon brush took care of oxidization on my valve covers, though it sometimes took a bit of time in the heavier areas. 

[UK Pete]

I find blasting with a very fine media is the best way, ideally i would love a soda blaster
pete

[AshimotoK0]

I find blasting with a very fine media is the best way, ideally i would love a soda blaster
pete

Agreed Pete.. Anyone know how to made an Aquablaster? I have access to a really massive compressor and 160 bar industrial water pumps in my new 'role'. I remember Andrew Parnaby the painter telling me it was the ultimate tool. I know soda blasting is great for not leaving abrasive behind but fear the media costs may be very expensive and messy.

cheers ... AshD

[LesterPiglet]

Soda just washes away and you can get it in bulk at a catering wholesaler.

[AshimotoK0]

Soda just washes away and you can get it in bulk at a catering wholesaler.

Is there a particular grade Les?

[LesterPiglet]

I believe it is just baking soda.

 baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda.