Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

[David K.]

I first just cleaned the usual grime off of the valve covers with a mild detergent. Then I placed them in the dishwasher. They sure are clean, but they appear to be rather dark in color. Is that the way they should look or should I carefully rub them "Never Dull" or something else?

[Jack H.]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

Aluminum can/does oxidize naturally in the presence of air. Rubbing with a polishing agent will generally result in removing the natural 'skin' of the casting (natural surface appearance from the original casting process). I'd suggest using chemistry instead of mechanical abrasion to remove natural oxidation.

Try a bottle of the ALUMINUM form of Naval Gel (in stock at some hardware stores, but any that carry the more common steel version can get it for you in a day or two). Follow the instructions on the bottle and use a soft tooth brush to agitate the Gel and simply rinse with running tap water.

[Mark H.]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

I've got a C2 and just had the covers cleaned by a place in Newport Beach, CA. He uses one of those "tumblers" (real name ??) where the part is put in a monster cylinder that rotates with abrasive beads inside. Came out looking perfectly stock. Let me know if you want the name of the place and I'll get it Mon.

Mark

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

Dave,
I had real good luck using Aluminum Naval Jelly but I would caution you to practice on the INSIDE of the valve cover to perfect the technique. That way, you can experiment with how long to leave it on to clean the oxidation off. You can always increase the length of the application but if you inadvertantly leave it on too long, you can't undo what you have done.

[David K.]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

Thanks, I will give that Naval Jelly a try.

[David K.]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

I was talking to guy I know that works at a semi-truck repair garage. He suggested and gave me some mild acid they use to wash down tankers. Worked real well. Thanks for the tips.

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning C1 Alum. Valve covers

I just finished my Valve Covers - Glass Bead Blast and paint with clear high temp paint - they turned out perfect!