Fuel pump rebuild for my 60

[Donald H.]

I have a rebuild kit on the way for my 4656 fuel pump off my 1960.

I would like to clean up the pump and get rid of the years of corrosion, weathering, etc. I wire brushed the bottom cap, but I think that was a mistake as it is now shiny instead of having a patina.

I've read that a muriatic acid solution will clean up pot metal pieces.

Does anyone know if the parts are pot metal for sure? Once I wire brushed the bottom piece, it looks like aluminum.
What have you used to clean up the parts?
If Muriatic acid, what strength of solution, i.e. 50 - 50?

Thanks,
Don

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel pump rebuild for my 60

Typically, I dilute my Muriatic acid 3:1 (three parts water to on part Muriatic). I don't think I'd use it on pot metal though. Why?

Well, pot metal is an alloy of different soft metals (MANY different versions of 'pot' metal out there) and it's known to be 'lumpy' as well as poreous. You might find the Muriatic works TOO fast and dramatically opens the pores leaving the surface REAL ratty...

Why not use a slow acting acidic cleaner (e.g. Naval Gel) and an ordinary toothbrush at your sink? I'd save the Muriatic for solid steel items.