Cleaning the outside of an old aluminum intake is all fine and good but, as mentioned, it doesn't usually last long. All that discoloration happens because aluminum is very porous; fuel and grunge essentially soak into the metal and embed over time with engine heat.
It has to be completely cooked out first for a few hours to bring all the trapped impurities to the surface, then get blasted, washed / dried thoroughly and quickly sealed with paint or powder to put a barrier between it and the things that cause future discoloration (exposure to the elements and fuel).
Restoring an intake well is a bit of work, and skipping any step merely earns you a few months before it starts looking like *** again. If you don't have a dedicated shop oven, find someone who does before you embark on trying to make it look better or it won't last. (Do NOT use your kitchen oven even if she's out of town for a few days ... EasyOff isn't gonna save it, or you, or that nasty smell, and I know you'd rather spend money on a new set of intake gaskets and RTV than on a new appliance.)
If you're going to do it at all, why not do it right the first time?
Gold members get a Labor Discount and military/law enforcement (past or present) save even more. I'd love to help!
Phoenix Specialty Coatings ~ Exceptional Custom Powder Coating
Thanks for the shout out
@A56!
