aluminum valve covers

[tonyk72]

How do I get 'em nice and shiny?

 

[DetailingDude]

How do I get 'em nice and shiny?

Can you tell me about their present condition?

Are they pitted?

Are they hazy?

And are you prepared to get them shiny and keep them that way? Aluminum is something that must be maintained regularly.

 

[tonyk72]

A little hazy, not pitted. Some areas around the oil cap are especially "dirty" and are more difficult to clean due to the fins...right now I have 'em off...
I saw this one product or brand, it was called Wenol (I think), is that any good?

 

[DetailingDude]

A little hazy, not pitted. Some areas around the oil cap are especially "dirty" and are more difficult to clean due to the fins...right now I have 'em off...
I saw this one product or brand, it was called Wenol (I think), is that any good?

Here you go:

Step 1: Wash
You can wash your entire engine with Zymol's engine wash called Strik. It IS expensive but is not cuastic, is safe on paint (there is plenty of paint under your hood!). In the recesses you may need to loosen the grime with a long and soft bristle brush.

Step 2: Clay
Just like you clay anyother surface. Follow the guide I posted on here.

Step 3: Inspect
Look for problem areas.

Step 4: Polish
Address problem areas first. You can use Blue Magic Metal Polish listed on this site. Mothers has some excellent metal polish as does Wenol. I would suggest you choose the one that is most mild with abrasives.

 

[tonyk72]

Heres what they look like...

 

[DetailingDude]

Heres what they look like...

This is going to be very rewarding for you. This photo certainly helps!

You are going to want to make sure that you have all the 'Gunk' out of the recesses otherwise it will just be clogging up your towel. Since you have the part removed you can go with something a bit more agressive than Strik (or just increase the dillution ratio). Plus you can probably skip the Clay step.