I need to replace the timing cover on my Rover 3.5, and I have a spare that's been sitting around a long time. It's never been used, but it has accumulated a bunch of aluminum oxide that needs to come off before I can use it. Any recommendations on a good solution? Hopefully a spray to get into all the nooks and crannies?
Might try good 'ole vinegar for a start. Commercial aluminum cleaners are, I think, muriatic acid based.
Then there are the CLR products that might have a suitable solution.
Edit: If it were mine, I'd get it bead blasted.
I'm with Graham. Bead blast it. I have a friend that used to spiff up his aluminum intake with Brillo pads.
I assumed bead blasting would compromise the mating surfaces. Not so?
If it's done properly, one can easily avoid blasting the side/mating surfaces.
I've done a few front covers and intake manifolds without any issues.
JUST BLAST IT WITH NUTS! shells :-)
Aluminum deoxidizer: http://www.californiacustom.com/aluminum_deoxidizer.html and Purple Polish: http://www.californiacustom.com/purple_metal_polish.html