Hi guys this is related to my V8 conversion thread. I want to do some major detailing to the new engine before installing it. It is currently on my engine stand, The CL500 engine is pretty nice considering it only was on the road for 12 months before the car it was in was totaled. The aluminum has some ugly water spotting on it. I need to know the best way to clean this engine to like new condition and then figure out a way to protect it so that it will stay this way. The water spotting looks a little like whitish corrosion. I am thinking that an acid based cleaner would clear this up and tnen maybe a statin clear engine paint would keep it looking new?

I will also be painting or powder coating the valeve covers and doing something special to the engine cover (haven't decided what yet, silver paint, body color paint, synthetic carbon fiber?)

 

i would begin with a mild degreaser... and a brush.

 

Thanks Andrew, I was hoping you would have some ideas. I was going to start with the degreaser since I have a couple of cans in the garage. The engine doesn't have any grease on it. I want to remove the white water spot looking stuff. Since water spot are minerals deposits, I thought something acidic like CLR might work or maybe aluminum wheel cleaner?

 

I was thinking CLR myself...try it in a small inconspicuous area and see what it does.

Simple Green may be a good idea also - but I've noticed it can 'spot' if the aluminum on the engine is hot (which wont be the case in your scenario...but I'm not sure what it does when the engine is cold).

A lot of the cars at Bonham had a ton of aluminum oxidization on them...

SQ

 

Because of the engine cover, most of the engine is inconspicuous, but since it is currently on an engine stand, everything can be cleaned. If would probably be easier to clean if I know what it is I am trying to remove. So you think it is aluminum oxidation?

Ok, I just did a little research and it is oxidation. From what I read the best cleaner that also brightens the aluminum is Phosphoric acid which I found is used by truckers, and even sailors to clean aluminum masts. I will try to find some of this stuff. If this works, I will need to find something to prevent it from coming back. I once had some High heat ceramic clear that I think would look good. I will try to at least post the "before" pictures tomorrow.

 

phosphoric acid is the acid in oranges. oran you glad i told you.

 

LantanaTX,

I've used this stuff for years:

http://www.orisonmarketing.com/corro...luminator.html

Just follow the directions. Since it IS acid based, make sure that you rinse thoroughly and dry it off right away.
It will not leave a "shiny" surface. It will be a "bright" surface. Very uniform, but white in appearance. To make it shiny, polishing is the only way to go.

Best, and thanks for the Posi-Quiet recommendation. No dust is very cool.

 

Thanks for the link! I am not trying to get a polished look. I would like to get a look similar to when the engine was brand new with no oxidation. anyone know if painting the engine with some clear high heat ceramic paint will prevent future oxidation? I don't want to paint the engine silver or anything like that as it would just look cheap. I only intend to paint or powder coat the valve covers.

Gald to hear you like the Posi Quiet pads. They are great pads! It is only a matter of time before others on this site discover them.