Cleaning aluminum intake

firez · #1 10-07-2009, 04:24 PM

I had my 68 Z out for a ride and developed a fuel leak. Any ideas short of removing the intake how to clean the stains from the hot fuel with the intake on the car?

**m22mike** · #2 10-07-2009, 04:32 PM

You will probably get allot of good idea's, so here is mine that I have had good lock with.
Cut down a china bristle brush and scrub the crap out of it with WD 40 and see if that works.
WD will not hurt any of the plated bolts etc. Be carfull with acid base stuff around plating.

Mike

DarrenX33 · #3 10-07-2009, 04:51 PM

For cleaning oil, fuel or antifreeze I spot clean my intake with a touch of brake cleaner on a clean rag. If they are really tough stains you can spray directly but just be careful of your surrounded painted areas. And wear gloves and eye protection. I do this routinely on my cars to keep them looking fresh.

**Charley Lillard** · #4 10-07-2009, 05:00 PM

carb cleaner usually works.

**MosportGreen66** · #5 10-07-2009, 05:26 PM

Eagle One Self Etching Aluminum cleaner and some 0000 steel wool

**SuperNovaSS** · #6 10-07-2009, 07:42 PM

Don't use the etching cleaner while the intake is on the car. I used it on my 68 Pontiac and the entire MSD system was the price.

Jason

ORIGLS6 · #7 10-07-2009, 07:52 PM

I agree with Jason on the Eagle One product. Works great but I wouldn't use it while the intake is on the car.

Charley's & Darren's suggestions usually works well for me if the stain is fresh but I'd build a 'dam' of sorts around the area you're cleaning. Just some paper towels wadded up will work. Spray the carb/brake cleaner directly on the stains and let the surrounding paper towel 'dam' absorb the run-off. Scrubbing with the 'trimmed' china bristle brush or an old toothbrush helps too.

**MosportGreen66** · #8 10-07-2009, 08:07 PM

I guess I'm careful. Never had an issue with etching. Interesting to note guys. Thanks.

firez · #9 10-07-2009, 08:09 PM

Thanks guys I am firing up the garage furnace this afternoon and try the suggestions .Thanks again for the help

firez · #10 10-07-2009, 09:00 PM

Just got started and I have to say when you mix WD40 and brake cleaner together it cleans aluminum intakes like nothing I have seen. Again this site came through.