What is the best way to clean up an anodized pulley?

[450knotOffice]

The engine is out of the car for a clutch, oil leak repairs, and a few other things. While it's out I'm doing what any normal Pelican would do - I'm detailing the engine and powder-coating tin, fan, fan housing, and retaining strap, etc.

Now, the pulley on my fan is pretty dirty and a bit, ah, varnished up, for lack of a better description. It's not really corroded, just dirty. I'd hate to have to spend money needlessly to buy a new one just because this one is dirty, so the question I have for you guys is: what is the best method for cleaning up the pulley as well as possible without taking a wire wheel to it and, in the process, removing all of the protective anodization?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Bobboloo]

I would think that just like any anodized aluminum alloy you don't want to use any abrasive cleaners or polish.

Vasoline is recommended for Fuchs by Porsche. Why not try it on the pulley.

[Tut]

Brake cleaner.

[Tim Hancock]

Scott, try some rubbing/buffing compound. It will remove light oxidation and crud pretty good, but use some care, as too much in spots might start to remove some of the plating also.

I have found over the years, that my 3m buffing compound does the job of many other products. I used to buy various types of "aluminum polish", "chrome polish", "plastic polish", "brass polish" etc etc, but I have found that buffing compound does an excellant job on most surfaces. (the "special" plastic and aluminum polishes all are basically mild abrasives suspended in a fluid)

If anyone does not believe me, just try it first and you will see for yourself...unless you feel better buying 10 different small tubes of various "special" products.

[klaucke]

I don't understand-- I thought all the fan pulleys and pulley halves were steel, albeit with a cad (or similar) plating? Do you have a picture? Perhaps its aftermarket?

[chuckr]

I've had great sucess with 1000 grit sand paper. I then go over it
with 2000 grit... it puts a pretty good shine to it also !

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by klaucke
I don't understand-- I thought all the fan pulleys and pulley halves were steel, albeit with a cad (or similar) plating? Do you have a picture? Perhaps its aftermarket?

I think he just mispoke.

[450knotOffice]

Yes, I did. I'm not too sure what I was thinking at 1:05 in the morning when I typed the original question.

It's definitely steel and probably Cadmium plated.

[elbean]

Mr Clean magic eraser (the white one),,bar none!!