Aluminum Intake Clean Up

[Peter M.]

I have a stock unmolested intake manifold. I'd like to brighten it up to a new look but refuse to allow media blasting or aggressive caustic washes for fear of degrading the original texture of the aluminum casting. Any suggestions re a common sense approach to clean up ?

[Rob A.]

Re: Aluminum Intake Clean Up

Use Eagle "Etching formula" mag wheel cleaner. Dilute it a bit with water and spray it on and work it in with a tooth brush. It will clean but not alter the original aluminum finish. Experiment on the backside first to see how much to dilute it to get the results you want. Do the whole intake or you will see a difference in the finish where you did not apply it. It will restore but not alter the original finish.

[Jean C.]

Aluminum Intake Clean Up

Is the restoration of the aluminum manifold using the Eagle product also a good process for aluminum valve covers?
Thanks.

[Len Rayca]

Re: Aluminum Intake Clean Up

Peter: I had very good success using paint stripper on my aluminum intake manifold. I used a gel type stripper and a stiff bristle tooth brush and it came up like new without any eveidence of polishing etc.

[Rob A.]

Re: Aluminum Intake Clean Up

I've only used it on aluminum intakes.

[Bill W.]

Re: Aluminum Intake Clean Up

after greese is removed (car wash) try powdered tide soap and a small amount of water & if needed comet or ajax and a brush.Bill