Cleaning aluminum intake

[440nika]

Hey Guys, I purchased a new Edelbrock RPM performer intake for my 440 and I can't figure out why after just about 10 hours of total running time my intake seems to be discoloring. It has got like a brown tint over the entire intake and to be honest it looks old on top a freshly done motor. My Question is does anyone know how I can clean it to the bright aluminum finish it had when I bought it with out hurting the new fresh paint on the rest of the motor and is there any secrets to keep it looking new so this won't happen again? Thanks Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[grimreaper]

The manifold on my car turned brown because I didn't clean the oil off prior to installation and it looked dingy in about a week. I pulled it off and bead blasted it back to shiny aluminum. Then I sprayed it with a coat of clear XIM Primer. Still looks good. The only discoloration is right on the heat crossover.

 

[340Dart]

That's funny because my Edelbrock heads did the same thing. They did it when I stored the car for the winter. I thought it was from moisture.

Fred B

 

[rumblefish360]

Glass beed it and hi temp clear coat it. Thats the best you can do on the cheap.

Then you can also look up cuda chick for her powder coating service.

 

[440nika]

My car never left storage yet since it's been completed in November because of bad wheather here in Pa.. I start it up every now and then to keep everything charged up but I never thought the intake would "crust up". I'd rather not have to tear it back off being is I just got the car finished so I'm hoping there is away to clean it on the car. Thanks Dave !!!!!!!!!!

 

[rumblefish360]

Eagle self ecthing cleaner for mag wheels is the best I have delt with. A soft bristle tooth brush lightly scrubbing and high pressure from the garden hose will help it.

But taking it off would be best. If you just finished it, it should be simple to take it off and put bck on.

 

[440nika]

Thanks I'll try the cleaner but your probably right I'll end up taking it back off and blasting it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dave

 

[rumblefish360]

click it and read up; http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=29728&highlight=power+coating

contact; http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/member.php?u=641

 

[Beatnik]

Powdercoat it...and be done! Spray can high temp would be the next best thing if p-coat is not avail. to you but it wont look as fresh and nice for as long...

 

[340srule]

Get it beadblasted,wash it down with brake cleaner, rinse with water,dry and give it a coat of hi-temp clear(the good stuff)..it'll last for good while...

 

[340butterduster]

Your best bet is to take it off, wether you can get it clean or not, it will come back.
Aluminium intakes are a casting not a forging, therefore it is porus and captures dirt particles.
Once you have it off and cleaned, send it for powder coat or clear anodize, to seal the surface.

All the best.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Thanks for the props and links Rumblefish!! :-D I appreciate the referral. :love5:

440Nika, you received a lot of good advice already. As Butter mentioned, aluminum is very porous and will continue to attract dirt and chemicals for life unless you seal the metal permanently. Although clear paint/sealer will do the job for awhile, UV rays, gasoline and engine heat will take their toll and you'll end up with a yellowed, peeling finish eventually.

Here is a picture of an RPM Performer manifold I powder coated in "Full Gloss Clear" a few months ago. (Sure, it's a Chevy but you get the idea.) No discoloration at all, totally easy to clean -- it just wipes off with a damp rag now -- and the red, white and blue "Made in USA" sticker that Edelbrock uses nowadays even survived completely intact with still-true colors. Once properly cured, powder coating will repel harsh automotive chemicals and sunlight and won't be adversely affected by heat either. Considering how much new parts cost these days, sealing that metal is just a form of cheap insurance that'll make it easy to take care of from here on out.

All you have to do is pull that intake off and send it over here ... I'll bead blast it, mask off the gasket surfaces, plug the threads, coat it in clear and get it back to you for a price you can't beat with a spray can. Please give me a call if I can be of service.