Part cleaning solution

[zztot]

I recognize this may seem like silly question…….but
Have an engine built but I am the prep guy so bought a parts washer.
What is best product to use that is available through retail outlets.
I know some have components that can have negative effect on aluminum so need to be neutralized.
Appreciate suggestions on what to use.
Thanks

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by zztot

I recognize this may seem like silly question…….but
Have an engine built but I am the prep guy so bought a parts washer.
What is best product to use that is available through retail outlets.
I know some have components that can have negative effect on aluminum so need to be neutralizing.
Appreciate suggestions on what to use.
Thanks

Really depends on what kind of parts washer you have. Unless it’s heated you’ll have to use solvent. I use the stuff from tractor supply but just for mostly metal/ engine parts/ lawn mower parts et. You’ll never get your aluminum to look “ new” unless you have it cleaned properly and tumbled because of oxidation et.

[zztot]

Washer is not heated. ……had some parts vapor blasted but just looking to clean everything with effective cleaner without any negative impact.

[dannobee]

If you want the aluminum to look "new" or "as cast," you'll need to remove the aluminum oxide from the part(s). That requires an etching acid. Consumer grade wheel cleaners work fine. I use Meguire's Chrome Wheel Cleaner with a stiff brush, then rinse with water. Add baking soda to the water to neutralize the acid if you're worried about it, but in my 40+ years of cleaning, I never have.

[zztot]

Great results

[Old H2S]

Look up Dawn Professional series cleaners, Power Dessolver.

[targa72e]

I will second the Dawn Professional. It works very well at removing grease.

John

[ChrisHamilton]

For just general degreasing with a solvent based product I run refinish grade wax and grease remover in my parts washer. PPG DX330 or SPI 710. IMO it works better than the various solvent parts washer solutions available, especially since the EPA cracked down on the good stuff. Lasts quite a while as well.

I'll second the acid method to remove oxidation on aluminum. I usually use Ospho because it's cheap, comes in a gallon, and I can get it at my local Ace hardware. I do rinse it well with water when finished. (while it is still wet with the acid product) Important if you plan on painting something AL as most paints don't like an acid film.

[zztot]

Interesting …..Thanks

[JoeMag]

Somewhat related... I recall someone (maybe Henry) about 10 years ago saying to not throw away your old dishwasher, but keep it as a part cleaner. I did that and put an old dishwasher many years ago next to the slop sink in my basement. You would be amazed at how well just pressurized high temp water cleans and degreases parts. In my current motor build I cleaned EVERYTHING in this dishwasher (down to the case halves with head studs removed, though I needed to remove top shelf to get case to fit). Typically I flip parts and do both sides. Amazes me how clean parts come out and they're oil free.

[dennisv]

Originally Posted by zztot

I recognize this may seem like silly question…….but
Have an engine built but I am the prep guy so bought a parts washer.
What is best product to use that is available through retail outlets.
I know some have components that can have negative effect on aluminum so need to be neutralized.
Appreciate suggestions on what to use.
Thanks

For tank washing I have had good luck with Oil Eater used in a Harbor Freight washer. I used their dilution ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part Oil Eater.

The exception is magnesium long term. It ate up a set of magnesium rocker arm bridges I left in the tank for several days and regretted it.

For spray and scrub, consider Simple Green - Extreme Aircraft. It seems safe for almost anything. We used it liberally on magnesium transaxle housing.

[zztot]

Dennis…..thanks for mentioning mag as it is early engine. Good info.
JoeMag……my wife is going to kill me

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by dannobee

If you want the aluminum to look "new" or "as cast," you'll need to remove the aluminum oxide from the part(s). That requires an etching acid. Consumer grade wheel cleaners work fine. I use Meguire's Chrome Wheel Cleaner with a stiff brush, then rinse with water. Add baking soda to the water to neutralize the acid if you're worried about it, but in my 40+ years of cleaning, I never have.

wow, that's a really nice result

[hockenheimr]

What do you guys do with magnesium parts .. like the older cases? Walnut blasting?

[zztot]

Cleaning is one aspect but “refinishing “ almost doesn’t make sense as they will revert to dull gray regardless of what you do other than paint.
I had some parts vapor blasted despite prior comment. Did not do case as concerned about grit. Came out super.

[88911coupe]

Another fan of the Dawn professional stuff. I also have a bottle of Simple Green that is specifically designed not to negatively affect metals like aluminum. I think it was designed in coorddination with the military for helicopter mechanics who were seeing degradation on aluminum parts they were cleaning. As I recall it was a bit hard to find. May be easier to source now.

[Tippy]

Naphtha if you won’t a no fuss get the job done solvent. All these good for the environment cleaners generally eat on aluminum, so you have to be careful.

Purple Power Extreme ate through a 1/4” of carbon on my truck ports. Good stuff but eats aluminum if left too long.

[Glenn Stazak]

Dawn Professional series cleaner is incredible, I even used it to clean the motor oil out of my jeans after I cleaned my engine block.

[zztot]

Also removed paint from my parts washer!

[porschedude996]

Mineral Spirits is what i use in my parts washer.