Topic: Aluminum Head / Intake Manifold Cleaning


john38coupe    -- 01-27-2011 @ 6:01 PM
  Need some expertise on cleaning up aluminum heads and intake manifold off a V-60 in preparation for Concourse division. Currently they are original casting finish, dirty and show their age. Thanks! johntesch@frontier.com


kubes40    -- 01-27-2011 @ 6:08 PM
  I am certain you'll receive a variety of opinions on this...here's my two cents:
I always GLASS BEAD my aluminum heads and / or intakes. They come out looking beautiful and as new. The 'finish' lasts for years.
Yes, I have numerous 997+ point cars to my credit...


john38coupe    -- 01-28-2011 @ 8:49 AM
  Thanks..........that sounds like a simple yet effective way to clean them up and not damage anything. Appreciate the advise very much.


Stroker    -- 01-28-2011 @ 9:29 AM
  With all due respect for Mike's always excellent advice, I believe I'd try to get them clean without being quite as aggressive. I'd start with media blasting with either baking soda,
plastic media or walnut sh*lls. Glass beads, while not as aggressive as sand, do affect the
surface finish, which should remain "as cast". There are also some shops that clean aluminum with specific solvents; (automatic transmission re-builders), that will brighten the aluminum without affecting the as-cast surface. Do not hot-tank in a solution designed for cast iron
however, as you might come up missing some parts.


john38coupe    -- 01-29-2011 @ 11:12 AM
  Thanks, appreciate all the information especially from those with direct experience and expertise.


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