Differential Case

[Scrrem]

Just pulled my differential/batwing for some gear upgrades. The case is stained from grease and road grime. Wire brushing doesn't seed to do much. Is there an aluminum cleaner out there that will help bring back the finish?
Scrrem

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by Scrrem

Just pulled my differential/batwing for some gear upgrades. The case is stained from grease and road grime. Wire brushing doesn't seed to do much. Is there an aluminum cleaner out there that will help bring back the finish?
Scrrem

I have Auto Magic wheel cleaner that did wonders to my calipers. However, it is extremely corrosive and I don't know whether it would be wise to use on a differential case.
Did you try Simple Green? Another option I can think of is to clean it real good and spray it with aluminum finish paint spray. I think Mid America sells spray paint for magnesium finish valve covers for L98.

[Scrrem]

Originally Posted by secondchance

I have Auto Magic wheel cleaner that did wonders to my calipers. However, it is extremely corrosive and I don't know whether it would be wise to use on a differential case.
Did you try Simple Green? Another option I can think of is to clean it real good and spray it with aluminum finish paint spray. I think Mid America sells spray paint for magnesium finish valve covers for L98.

Yeah, I don't know if I want to go too aggressive, I'll try Simple Green but 20 years of staining, I may be down to your painting suggestion.

Rich

[flyin ryan]

Sodium Hydroxide. Closest thing to it that they will sell to the public would be '409'. I buy the base chemical by the drum.

[RICHARD TILL]

I`ve used muratic acid to clean parts before but i think i`ll try the sodium hydroxide the next time. Work with it every day and never thought about it. We use about 500 gallons every other day in a vessel regeneration process. The vessel is used for boiler feedwater purification. They`ll never miss a couple gallons.

[flyin ryan]

Originally Posted by RICHARD TILL

I`ve used muratic acid to clean parts before but i think i`ll try the sodium hydroxide the next time. Work with it every day and never thought about it. We use about 500 gallons every other day in a vessel regeneration process. The vessel is used for boiler feedwater purification. They`ll never miss a couple gallons.

I should point out that the Sodium Hydroxide I'm talking about is primarily a de-greaser, but does/can work good on aluminum finishes as well, when used correctly. The acid I use is Sulfuric Hydroflouric, it dosen't do anything for grease but on aluminum it will actually tear a microscopic layer of aluminum off. It's the stuff that some say turns aluminum white, while it does/can turn aluminum white-ish, it's not because it stained the aluminum, it is in fact because it took off the outer surface layer, what's left is the core/base aluminum. Looking back....not sure what all this has to do with diff's, LOL!

[Aurora40]

What gears are you going with?

Also, have you tried anything like brake cleaner or engine degreaser? I'd think they aren't damaging to aluminum.

[Jim Nolan]

What has worked for me is once you get the crud off buff it with 0000 steel wool. It also works real well on aluminum parts under the hood and front suspension.

Originally Posted by Jim Nolan

What has worked for me is once you get the crud off buff it with 0000 steel wool. It also works real well on aluminum parts under the hood and front suspension.

I agree, I have done the same areas as well as the heads and block too; works great.

[Scrrem]

Well, you guys are the bomb!!! Went to the store down the street, didn't have any Simple Green, but did have something call Purple Power, some industrial, bio-degradable degreaser. Scubbed with a wiire brush and wiped clean. Then buffed with some 0000 steel wool, here are the initial results. Not too bad, a couple more nights of scrubbing and I should have it done. Thanks all!!!
Rich