Removing aluminum white scale?

[JHZR2]

Something like this: That white flaky coating that I assume is spalling aluminum oxide. For underhood I'd want to apply selectively/sparingly by hand. Is simple green the right stuff? Thanks!

 

[onemig]

I am not sure if an all purpose cleaner is the best for it but as far as cleaning the engine bay, I suggest using Simple Green Pro HD. Back label indicates it is safe to use on metals, non-corrosive.

 

[Trav]

A stiff plastic bristle brush well and coat with this, it works on a lot more than stainless steel. http://www.amazon.com/Sheila-Shine-Stainless-Cleaner-Indivdually/dp/B0011FQQNI http://www.sheilashineinc.com/professional-advice/

 

[scurvy]

Hydrofluoric acid is by far the best aluminum cleaner out there. Nasty stuff to work with but it'll shine like nothing else afterwards!

 

[spavel6]

I used Etching Wheel Cleaner on my aluminum valve cover to get it almost new condition. A lot of scrubbing involved though, and this stuff is corrosive, so you have to wash it off with water.

 

[Tempest]

Distilled white vinegar?

 

[mjoekingz28]

Maybe a bicycle/motorcycle chain oil will treat it. But I haven't a clue as to making it pretty- or, metal polish.......there are metal polishes at the parts houses that seperate and you have to shake it to temporarily mix them together. ...follow the directions and use a rough, used microfiber to start after it has been wiped clean with plain water and a different towel... Is this possibly going to help?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Won't the white scale (corrosion) come back?

 

[mjoekingz28]

Why not motor oil? Auto makers use aluminum blocks now, right?

 

[GeaugaFletcher]

Originally Posted By: scurvy

Hydrofluoric acid is by far the best aluminum cleaner out there. Nasty stuff to work with but it'll shine like nothing else afterwards!

Good lord.

 

[RooflessVW]

Smells good, too.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Trav

A stiff plastic bristle brush well and coat with this, it works on a lot more than stainless steel. http://www.amazon.com/Sheila-Shine-Stainless-Cleaner-Indivdually/dp/B0011FQQNI http://www.sheilashineinc.com/professional-advice/

Finally got some of this off of amazon. I was working on my 240D today, and the vc is powdery. Odd since the car is garaged 99.9% of the time. Lots of little white dots... What necessitated it was the fact that my oil filter cover was very crusty with this... Wanted to clean and protect it, and prevent that flake from falling in the canister when I put the filter back in. I tried simple green first, rinse, then apply that Sheila shine for the filter cover. Honestly I'm not sure the simple green did much. Someone mentioned etching wheel cleaner... Maybe that's what's necessary, but I wasn't sure I needed to be that tough. Just using the same paper towel I applied the stuff to the filter cover, I tried the VC. Went from this: To this: Will have to use this a lot more on all the aluminum stuff underhood in our cars!! Thanks for the recommendation!