Cleaning Cases

[WantABanshee]

Rebuilding my motor and cant get my cases lookn new again! Any tips?

[crustydemon]

Rebuilding my motor and cant get my cases lookn new again! Any tips?

 

Try engine brite made by Gunk I think, made mine look like brand new.

[BigRed350x]

Carb cleaner and a little wire brush.

[bbcmudtruck]

Carb cleaner and a wire brush will work, but if they are real greasy, Gunk will work better and involves less effort.

[WantABanshee]

will that be safe with aluminum?

[bbcmudtruck]

yes

[Larry's Shee]

Didn't get many good tips when I asked same question months ago. I used Super Clean and Scotch Brite pad. Might also try cleaner for non polished aluminum wheels.

[Koolguyson]

Media blast, then some cast colored paint.

 

Cases generally clean up pretty good in a solvent tank though. You can also take them to a machine shop and put it in the hot tank.

[dajogejr]

Gunk and a power washer.

Get a wire brush for the real stubborn parts.

[87sheerips]

For the sealing surfaces, I like to use a 3M (scotch brite pad), about 1.5" diameter, on a 90 degree die grinder. This works amazing, but be careful and use light pressure. If you hammer down on it, you can remove aluminum material that could cause a leak.

[WantABanshee]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a try next time I get a chance.

[Koolguyson]

For the sealing surfaces, I like to use a 3M (scotch brite pad), about 1.5" diameter, on a 90 degree die grinder. This works amazing, but be careful and use light pressure. If you hammer down on it, you can remove aluminum material that could cause a leak.

 

No no no. Way too extreme. Scrape the excess sealer off with a razor blade. Then take a regular old scotch brite pad and spray a little brake/contact cleaner on it, it will come right off.

[bansheesandrider]

No no no. Way too extreme. Scrape the excess sealer off with a razor blade. Then take a regular old scotch brite pad and spray a little brake/contact cleaner on it, it will come right off.

It is OK to do it with the scotch brite wheel on the die grinder if you get the one that is made for cleaning aluminum, it is grey in color. Just don't use too much pressure or stay in one place. Professional mechanics have been cleaning aluminum parts this way for years. I have been cleaning intake manifolds, transmission cases, and other aluminum gasket surfaces for over twenty years and have never had a problem from doing it this way.

[Koolguyson]

It is OK to do it with the scotch brite wheel on the die grinder if you get the one that is made for cleaning aluminum, it is grey in color. Just don't use too much pressure or stay in one place. Professional mechanics have been cleaning aluminum parts this way for years. I have been cleaning intake manifolds, transmission cases, and other aluminum gasket surfaces for over twenty years and have never had a problem from doing it this way.

 

It is just serious overkill for what is needed, plus coarse scotch brite fibers get all over the damned place. Makes a hell of a mess.

[georgie]

It is just serious overkill for what is needed, plus coarse scotch brite fibers get all over the damned place. Makes a hell of a mess.

 

 

Try Easy Off oven cleaner for the oil build up areas. It's strong enough to remove oil slugged. Watch out for your oil seals and gaskets