Simple Green - Corrosive to Aluminum

[CarreraS2]

I know this was discussed before, with people taking different positions as to whether Simple Green is corrosive to aluminum.

Here's an interesting test I came across - USAF says "no" to using Simple Green on aluminum.

http://www.avweb.com/other/usaf0020b1.pdf

[makaio]

The State of California says not to use it on their Air Fleet as well.

[jtratza]

I soaked some very dirty bicycle parts in it. Big mistake. It ate some of the anodized coating off them.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Ok, this is related to this thread, what is a recomended de-greaser for aluminum or magnesium? My engine could really stand to be cleaned.

[tchanson]

While this is certainly not a new issue, I think the question is one of (a) exposure and (b) thorough rinsing.

This is a quote from the Simple Green website:

"Is it safe to use Simple Green on aluminum?

Simple Green products have been successfully and safely used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: Aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green can accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, contact times of All Purpose Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green with unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes. Large cleaning jobs should be conducted in smaller-area stages to achieve lower contact time. Rinsing after cleaning should always be extremely thorough - paying special attention to flush out cracks and crevices to remove all Simple Green/Crystal Simple Green residues. Unfinished, uncoated or unpainted aluminum cleaned with Simple Green products should receive some sort of protectant after cleaning to prevent oxidation."

For example, Fikse continues to recommend only a 50/50 mix of SG/H20 to clean their wheels, including uncoated AL rim sections, followed by a thorough rinse.

I don't use SG that much, not out of any past problems, but simply because I like other products better, such as P21S wheel cleaner on Fikses.

For general purpose degreasing, nothing beats Wurth Citrus Degreaser, IMO, although P21S Total Auto Wash degreaser is very good also. For undercarriage/bottom end engine work, the Castrol Super Clean purple stuff works well, but keep it away from your hands and paint, and, as with SG, rinse about three times as much as you think is necessary.

Good luck,
Tim

[motion]

What about the citrus-based products on the market? They seem to work very well, but wondering how hard they are on paint, plastic and metal.

[vash]

i have always used SG on motorcycle calipers. i read about it in MOTORCYCLIST magazine. supposed to be easy on the rubber seals. never thought i was putting the calipers through hell. now what?