Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

[Larry E.]

Hello:

Just want to get some ideas on how to clean an aluminum intake manifold with
minor gas stains on it. The manifold has to be cleaned with it still intalled
on the engine. What type of cleaning fluid will get this job done? Kerosine;
some type of acid or ? Please advise and thanks for the help.

Larry

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

Spray "Brake Cleaner" works pretty good at getting oil and gas off anything. It will also take paint off and if you leave a rag laying on anything with brake cleaner on the rag, it will melt or damage it, so be careful with it, but it does work great as a "cleaner"...

Steve

[Christopher R.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

I used to get mine pretty clean with a toothbrush, Simple Green, and a garden hose.

[William O.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

I used a small steam cleaner and a toothbrush.

FYI:

The steam cleaner is great to clean everything, a great tool for detailing.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

Larry,

I've used the jell type paint stripper by 3M. It is easy to control. I apply it with a small paint brush then wipe it off with a paper towel followed with a soap & water wash. If you can get at the area with a toothbrush or other kind of brush work the stripper before wiping but be careful not to splatter.

Wayne

[Bryan L.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

I've used Alumiprep with good results. You can find it just about anywhere.

BL

[Lyle B.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

I have had a friend take theirs to a commerical acid dip company and they come out sparkling clean shiny.

[Rob A.]

Re: Cleaning Aluminum Intake Manifolds

I had very good success cleaning the aluminum manifold in place on my '66 using lacquer thinner. It dissolves all the usual stains and evaporates quickly. Using Q tips you can get just about everywhere. It works well on alternators also. It leaves a clean, original finish.

[Tracy C.]

Q-Tips ?...

Rob,

How about filling a paint gun, narrowing the fan to 10 degrees and cranking the pressure to up 80 lbs? Seems like that would blast about any kind of crud to timbucktoo...

tc

[Rob A.]

Re: Q-Tips ?...

You're probably right. (With the Q tips nothing blows around the engine compartment as it's being cleaned off the intake).

[Tracy C.]

Re: Q-Tips ?...

AaaSooo... I wouldn't try my suggestion on an installed intake. I was thinking manifold "on the bench"... I gotta get my car back together so I can think straight... been looking at piece parts WAY too long..

tc

[Rob A.]

Re: Q-Tips ?...

My last car was apart so long, I still can't believe it's finished, sold and gone. My ENTIRE 3 car garage, including ALL the cabinets were filled with parts.