I have a SRT6 and I would like to clean the exterior of the supercharger and the manifolds. They white spots that looks like salt on them and I would like them back to their brighter flat aluminum finish. The car has not seen the snow or salt water so its not salt.

Thanks

 

The white powdery spots are aluminum "rust". I don't have a good recommendation for an aluminum cleaner. I've tried several brands and have not been really happy with any of them. Hope someone will have a good recommendation.

 

This would be a question for one or both of our resident metallurgists :
maxcichon or onehundred80.

 

When we recently replaced the SC on my SSB SRT, we used a wire wheel and it was a definite improvement. A small dremel wire wheel or something of the sort will do it as well. I did not try to seal it with a clear, so I expect in 10 more years, it should need it again. Be carefull of etching your aluminum with anything that has ammonia as an ingredient if youre trying to remove this oxidation.

 

The issue is with the 9% Magnesium in the alloy. It will start to oxidize within minutes, much slower than the aluminum component.

Many have spent TONS of time polishing these parts, but all have seen the gray-monster return.

Cleaning and painting, even with clear, seems the smart bet.

 

I know that aluminum oxidizes rapidly and it is the oxide that protects the surface from contact with more oxygen and inhibits further oxidation to a great degree. Some aluminum alloys are resistant to salty atmospheres but they rely on the natural oxidation for protection as well, the purer aluminum is, the worse it oxidizes
Mechanical removal of the oxide is best followed by a coat of paint.

 

Back to back, sound advice. From the ones that would know.

 

While engine is COLD spray with MEGUIARS HIGH GLOSS HOT SHINE TIRE SPRAY. The oxidization will disappear before your eyes,Just spray it on and walk away do not rub or hose it off.Lorne

 

Wow!! That sounds a whole lot easier than what I've been doing. I've been using a oxidation inhibitor and applying it with a toothbrush. Whipping away any excess,being the squeeze tube compound is a blackish clear grease type. It can be found in any electrical department. Copper wire and aluminium wire twisted together for home wiring will react and burn out quickly. This compound is UL aproved for squirting into wire nuts for joining these two different home wiring metal romex. Squirrel Crusher

 

link removed, not for cast aluminium.

 

Reading the instructions it looks like these are not for the faint hearted, and probably come with HazMat outfits.

 

Actually, after reading the Technical pdf is not for use on cast aluminum! So scratch that suggestion.

 

Meguiar's actually has a entire product line for marine applications to handle cleaning & protecting aluminum parts from corrosion. Interesting to scan this product line. Looks like the Aluminum Cleaner & Protectant products do a nice job on surfaces. Community pictures look good. Might try some of this on my pedals to clean them up.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/pr...gXSLmrqUlqa.97

Later,

 

To clean the stainless steel pedals, I use a toothbrush, of someone who recently pissed me off, and this:

http://www.target.com/p/weiman-stain...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Great stuff. I use it on polished stone, too!

 

Yeah - Weiman products are really good. We use their smooth top cleaner & furniture polish.

 

Forum,
1. Has anyone verified the following from post # 8 "While engine is COLD spray with MEGUIARS HIGH GLOSS HOT SHINE TIRE SPRAY. The oxidization will disappear before your eyes,Just spray it on and walk away do not rub or hose it off." ???
2. Is it Meguiar's Hot Shine Tire Spray or High Gloss ??

 

hot shine tire spray. Lorne

 

Lorne,
Many thanks ! Picked up a bottle this weekend @ Oreilly's. How effective is this ?
Tim

 

I guess it depends how bad it is. I have been using it since the car was new. My engine looks like new. I have also used it on my daily drivers foe a long time with the same result. Just spray it on while engine is cold ,walk away. Lorne

 

Please tell me if this would work on a car that is around 40 degrees F.?
Sounds like a good one if it does, I have the required spray sitting around.
What the heck, I'll try it anyway and get back to you.