Hey guys,I have a 2000 bear tracker 250,it was given to me ,it has been sitting outside for a while .Tryng to clean it up a bit ,the aluminum engine block has tarnished/oxidized ,what do you guys suggest would be a good way to clean that up ?

 

I have used a soda blaster in the past to clean up the heads on my bikes. A 3000 PSI power washer works pretty good as well.

 

try marvel mistery oil

 

you can try strong detergents made for open pore mag wheels- I'd be cautious about using acids-
open pore aluminum is a bitch to keep clean.

soda blasting is probably the best way to return the aluminum to a factory clean look. glass bead blasting will give you a nice satin look on the al also, but you gotta be very careful about the glass bead getting into bearings, seals & connectors because it'll destroy'em in no time-

 

 

that works good on chrome & steel with some 000 steel wool, but not so well on open pore aluminum. it won't remove oxidation or salt etching in the aluminum- and will actually just make the fine dust stick to the porous aluminum and make it look dirtier. even acids that dissolve stains will dull the al, and will require a polish to bring out the luster again. acid or soda / bead blasting is really the only way to get it back to a factory bright & clean finish. you can even sodablast plastic & fiberglass without damaging it- you can easily make a soda blaster or buy one from harbor freight for under $100.

 

but.....only soda blast outside or in a good sealed room with a good resperator, soda blasting can be MESSY !!

 

Thanks for the replies ,I have access to a soda blaster ,used it when I restored a Jeep that I had .Just messy as stated above.I will try some Flitz and elbow grease ,does anyone make a 0000 steel wool type attachment for a drill or anything like that,looked on mcmaster carr ,and didnt see anything ,that could probably save me some time .Just may be down to good ol' elbow grease lol.