cleaning aluminum parts

[94conv.]

What is everyone using to clean the altenator and plenum? Mine is showing some discoloration, getting darker. Thanks

 

[sstearns2]

What is everyone using to clean the altenator and plenum? Mine is showing some discoloration, getting darker. Thanks

I used some mild soapy water and a scotch bright pad on the plenum. I rubbed it with some very fine steel wool after that and it looks pretty good. I did this to the aluminum suspension parts, unpainted tubing and the ac compressor too and they look great.

The alternator in mine is brand new so I didn't need to clean it. I obviously wouldn't spray water on it or get the steel wool near it.

Scott

 

[94conv.]

Thanks, I also checked around the internet and I found out vinegar and cream of tarter might work also along with baking soda. Ill post when I find cream of tarter or when I get any results.

 

[RV Guy]

Thanks, I also checked around the internet and I found out vinegar and cream of tarter might work also along with baking soda. Ill post when I find cream of tarter or when I get any results.

Please do keep us informed with your results. I have been wonder what to do also.
Thanks!

 

[B17Crew]

Please see the second post, it has a few details that might be of some help.

The photos in the first post were taken before I had detailed the alternator. After using the Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, it has a nice shine to it, the alternator now looks as it did on the day when I first purchased the car.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95366&highlight=detailed+engine+bay

B17Crew

 

[Epimax]

Please see the second post, it has a few details that might be of some help.

The photos in the first post were taken before I had detailed the alternator. After using the Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, it has a nice shine to it, the alternator now looks as it did on the day when I first purchased the car.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95366&highlight=detailed+engine+bay

B17Crew

Thanks for the info!!

 

[B17Crew]

Thanks for the info!!

Epimax, you are welcome!

B17Crew

 

[WNH]

I used a wire wheel on a power drill on my plenum, runners, and alternator. It made it real shiney. I like it, but someone else might think its too shiney.

 

[DaleD]

I used a wire wheel on a power drill on my plenum, runners, and alternator. It made it real shiney. I like it, but someone else might think its too shiney.

Did you take them off of the car, or just do it on the engine? If you left them on, how did you control the debris and wires flying off around the engine?

 

[B17Crew]

I like it, but someone else might think its too shiney.

Cool!

That’s what matters most, it makes you happy!

B17Crew

 

[94conv.]

That looks good. I may try the wire wheel after I try the baking soda and vinegar. Cream of Tarter sounds a little fishy

 

[DaleD]

After reading this thread, I tried some Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish on my L98 plenum last night. That stuff is awesome. I have a lot more work to do, but it takes off the crud with very little effort.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[B17Crew]

After reading this thread, I tried some Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish on my L98 plenum last night. That stuff is awesome. I have a lot more work to do, but it takes off the crud with very little effort.

Thanks for the tip.

You’re welcome, DaleD!

One thing to think about is using rubber gloves (like a surgeon would wear) when using these cleaners. Probably wouldn’t hurt to keep cleaners off the skin, over time, who knows what they may do.

B17Crew

 

[WNH]

Did you take them off of the car, or just do it on the engine? If you left them on, how did you control the debris and wires flying off around the engine?

I took the plenum off.
I kept the runners on. I put masking tape over the alternator vents. I did it slow and deliberate, with both hands on the power drill. On close corners I used a dremmel.

 

[94conv.]

Well, I tried the vinegar/baking soda/cream of tarter mix. I could tell it was cleaner then it was but wasnt what I was looking for. Im also going to try the mothers mag and alluminum cleaner. Thanks for that tip.

 

[B17Crew]

Im also going to try the mothers mag and alluminum cleaner. Thanks for that tip.

The Mothers should work pretty well... let us know what you think of it.

B17Crew