Cleaning Aged Aluminum Motorcycle Parts?

[derek murray]

I'm working on a single cylinder Ducati and would like to clean up some of the aluminum parts (motor and hubs). Is there any way to remove the discolouration (see photo) without resorting to media blasting and polishing? I would like to keep the end finish understated... i.e. not polished to shiny perfection.

[Jabate]

I just had an Aluminum VW Type IV case Vapor blasted and was impressed with the result. No loss of detail.

[Yorkie]

I know you don't want to blast the parts but if you are after the factory OEM look you might want to reconsider and look at vapor blasting. I have a bead blaster and was never really happy with the finish as it opened up the pores and just didn't look "factory" I recently tried Restocycle and their vapor blasting service and I was truly impressed. I sent them some old Yamaha Enduro parts and they came back looking like OEM. The process also closes up the pores so the finish allows oil and dirt to wipe off. Recommended.

[Jabate]

I had vapor blasting done in San Jose , CA @: nexgenpf.com
I have no affiliation w/them.
I was very pleased with the results

[derek murray]

Thanks Fellas - while nobody locally does "vapor blasting" they do do "wet media blasting". I'll have to do some investigation to see if it's the same thing.

[Eric Coffey]

Personally, I'd just steam clean it and leave as is. Vapor blasting is great, and the parts will look brand new. However, some of the results I've seen give the material (aluminum) sort of a shiny-satin-but textured "sand cast" look. Results may vary depending on the alloy, and original casting process though. Still, on vintage stuff I'd try to keep as much of the original finish/patina as possible. YMMV...

[derek murray]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

Personally, I'd just steam clean it and leave as is. ... YMMV...

Agreed... in the end that may be exactly what I do...

[Don Ro]

To get the results you've stated I'd use a detergent (like Dawn Ultra Platinum Advanced Power) mixed with white vinegar (no water), and a soft tooth (or other soft) brush.
No steel or bronze wool of any grit.

[Bill Douglas]

Oven cleaner. The harsh stuff that contains caustic soda. Wear gloves and use a dishwashing glove to lightly scrub it. It works well on aluminum.

there is a product called autosol that come in a tube. This stuff works well too.

[Don Ro]

I've tried them all over the years and I had bad luck with oven cleaners.
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From Easy Off web site...
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3. Can EASY-OFF® Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner be used on any aluminum?

We do not recommend using this product on aluminum, as it may pit and discolor it.
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More here:
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https://www.finishing.com/325/37.shtml
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Q. I am inquiring as to how to remove oven cleaner after it has come into contact with an aluminum surface. The surface to which I am referring is polished billet aluminum. Some of the oven cleaner landed in some hard to reach places. How can it be removed?
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A. Oven cleaner is water soluble and will wash off, Todd. Just use a water hose.

However, that may not really be your question. Oven cleaner dissolves aluminum, and should not be used on aluminum except in very special cases. You may be asking how you can restore the damage that has been done. If you can't reach the area to do mechanical polishing on it, you probably can't fix the etched surface.

[pavulon]

I think it looks terrific (bordering on art) exactly as is.

[steve185]

autosol polish, works great

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by pavulon

I think it looks terrific (bordering on art) exactly as is.

Amen.
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The artistry of Patina.

[944 S2]

Try some naval jelly. Yeah the rust remover. It will etch the aluminum just enough to give it a stock newly cast look. You'll need to experiment a bit on how long to keep it on before washing it off.

[72doug2,2S]

Just rub it lovingly with Vaseline.

[Bill Douglas]

Oven cleaner has so little caustic it would take a verrrry long time to cause any pitting. But if you do decide to try it give it a very good wash afterwards with a detergent (car wash?) type cleaner.

I used to polish bits on my old Triumph 650 with autosol, it looked great.

[manbridge 74]

Looks fine...

[DanielDudley]

Before vapor blasting they used to use crushed walnut shells. I like that look though.

I used to use Mothers mag wheel polish on old Italian car engines, or wash them with WD40 and a high pressure air nozzle. But I wanted things to look healthy and original, not new.

[Chocaholic]

Why not use a bit of metal polish and elbow grease to restore luster?

[Borders Reivers]

Dip aluminum parts in molasses. Weak acid. Tomato juice works too. Old school mag/alum wheel cleaner.

"Sulphated molasses and water in a 5:1 to a water/molasses ratio. It takes about 10 days to clean a cast iron engine block and 12-24 hours for an aluminum intake, less for a carb or small chassis. It will NOT remove grease or paint. For steel/iron only you can use a 4:1 mix. Some have reported a 10:1 mix works on AL less aggressively. Temperature plays a big part, real fast on a hot summer day. Use it outside as it can get pretty ripe : Steel/iron will flash rust real fast on a hot humid day so paint ASAP or spray with Prep Step. It can also be used on AL, test some scrap first in all cases.
Get the molasses at a feed and grain store and the Prep Step at http://www.zero-rust.com/zero-rust-prep-step.html"

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