clean cast aluminum intake manifold with what?

[1 FMF]

i have the intake off the engine, it's all cast aluminum and it seems previous owner with the truck did some off-roading or drove in some very dusty conditions. sand/dirt melted onto the intake in addition with the usual black grime. Was wondering if anybody knows or has used a good cleaner on cast aluminum?
I plan on taking my pressure washer to it.
Not sure if i should leave it bare, depending on how well it cleans and shines up, or if i should paint it.

 

[UNC151]

You might try some aluminum wheel cleaner on it and then clear coat it afterwards. I had an Edelbrock intake on a Pontiac 455 that oxidized in a bad way.

The wheel cleaner (I think it was Eagle -- but that was 28 years ago) did the trick and I clear coated it and it looked pretty nice for the rest of the time that I had it.

 

[thescreensavers]

Any aluminum wheel cleaner and SS or nylon brush will do. I used mothers mag and chrome wheel cleaner which worked out well

 

[The_Eric]

Use Super Clean and go to the car wash.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Use Super Clean and go to the car wash.


Also choose the car wash carefully. Some of them don't allow you to clean the engine.

 

[TFB1]

Be careful with the Super Clean, leave it on too long and aluminum will start turning dark...

 

[1 FMF]

used eagle 1 mag cleaner after using other cleaners and lacquer thinner. primed with duplicolor gray engine primer followed by cast coat aluminum. the rail is done is low gloss black.
this is an intake off an 8.1L.

 

[Cujet]

That looks really nice.

While I love the look of new, bare metal. It ages rapidly and is difficult to keep clean and looking good.

I now paint every part with a quality automotive paint. Often in the same color and gloss as the car ( 'cause I'm cheap)

Anyway, I hope the paint you chose holds up and does not attract dirt. (some rattle can paints are truly awful in this regard)