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Cleaning Aluminum Parts

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by Jerry Thorpe, Aug 3, 2011.

  1. Aug 3, 2011 #1
    Jerry Thorpe

    Jerry Thorpe New Member

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    My 1966 Shelby motor is currently being rebuilt. It is for my Hertz Shelby.
    Question: Cleaning of Valve Covers, Oil Pan, Intake Manifold: I was told that Soda Blasting would be the best. All of the parts have been dipped so they are free of oil. I was also told that care must be taken to not pit the surface of the parts with blasting that is too strong. Care is also important not to leave any sand or glass behind in small areas that could eventually get into the engine. It would seem that soda blasting would give the additional benefit of not hurting the engine if any was left behind.
    Can anyone shed any light on this subject?

    Best Regards,

    Jerry Thorpe
    Tacoma, Washington
     
    Jerry Thorpe, Aug 3, 2011
    Jerry Thorpe, Aug 3, 2011
    #1
  2. Aug 3, 2011 #2
    mrmustang

    mrmustang Well-Known Member

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    Go down to your local transmission repair shop and ask if they will run your parts through their heated parts washer (think industrial washer under high heat). I've done this a number of times and the parts come out as new without worry of damage......



    Bill S.
     
    mrmustang, Aug 3, 2011
    mrmustang, Aug 3, 2011
    #2
  3. Aug 3, 2011 #3
    A-Snake

    A-Snake Well-Known Member

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    A-Snake, Aug 3, 2011
    A-Snake, Aug 3, 2011
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  4. Aug 3, 2011 #4
    Bob Gaines

    Bob Gaines Well-Known Member

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    A lot of good ideas mentioned. You may be lucky and have a as new appearance after trying one of the listed suggestions. Most likely you will have to do some additional restoration work to the aluminum items even after one of the other mentioned methods. They may not get things as clean as needed for a as new appearance. When that happens I use a rinse of eagle one wire wheel cleaner which has a mild acid mix in it along with a stiff plastic brush /brushes for crevices. You may have to brush and rinse several times or more depending on what you start off with. Of course polishing fins or re plating wire clips/oil fill tubes is on top of that. Bob
     
    Bob Gaines, Aug 3, 2011
    Bob Gaines, Aug 3, 2011
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