Cleaning an aluminum engines (LS-1) exterior ?

[Tim john---]

Good day all, I have a 2004 GTO LS-1 engine for my project and the engines aluminum is stained, blotchy, dark spots etc.. I have washed it thoroughly, no grease, no oil, no debris. Engine is complete ready to install but is there something that I can use to pretty it up better. It is just weathered. We use to use a product called "Renewsit" on the farm semi fuel tanks that I have not tried yet, do you have any additional reccomendations or processes. Thank You. Tim john---

[Che70velle]

Is the engine still together, or is is apart?

[BMR Sales]

Sounds like it is together if he is ready to install it

[Che70velle]

Sounds like it is together if he is ready to install it

Lol...I guess I should have carefully read the entire post first, huh?

TJ, I sprayed my aluminum engine with a mag wheel cleaner, which contains sulfuric acid. The stuff is harsh, the fumes will harm you, and it will cause unpainted steel/iron to rust almost immediately, if you get the spray on it.
BUT it will make the aluminum a consistent, uniform finish. Will it stay that way? No. All of these aluminum engines turn that way eventually. I guess if you coated the engine with a sealer afterward, it wouldn't do that, but I'm guessing.
I tried other cleaners/degreasers first, like Greased Lightening, and Purple Power, but the spotting still remained. It was like new when I installed it, but 500 miles later, it's back spotty again. I'm sure there are other options out there, but just saying what I used.

[SBDave]

Someone else on this website just painted their aluminum engine block to prevent the exterior look deteriorating due to corrosion etc. So maybe paint it a "cast aluminum" color? .... just a thought

Dave

[Tim john---]

Thanks guys. Engine is ready to fire but still on stand ready to go in. If I can't get it to look presentable it will get painted Pontiac blue for a 69 Firebird. Please keep the ideas flowing. Thank You. Tj-

[CRCRFT78]

I used a green Scotchbrite pad on the heads which was time consuming and a pain in the ass but it does look good. It will need to be sprayed with something to stay that way otherwise it will just oxidize again.

[craig510]

I have cleaned aluminum intakes and transmissions with etching wheel cleaner and scotch bright pads and wire brushes. It usually works pretty well but it is a ton of elbow grease if you want it looking perfect. Also, it is kinda nasty stuff so you will need to mask off anything important and where good glove to avoid chemical burns.

[GregWeld]

I had Brizio paint my LS3 and the transmission "aluminum" silver color. It hoses right off now. Otherwise they just get NASTY looking!

[raustinss]

ant more details on that greg ....im about to start building my ls7 and want to paint it, but i want something that is going to stay on there and not flake off from heat cycles .

anyone here ever use eastwoods ceramic paint on a motor with success ?

[Zspoiler]

I have VHT Engine enamel ,and it hasn`t flaked off .And it supercharged.a lot of it has to do with prep work.http://s1064>photobucket.com

[GregWeld]

I'd have to look into it to see what they painted it with - if anything special. I'll get back to ya.

[GriffithMetal]

I'd have to look into it to see what they painted it with - if anything special. I'll get back to ya.

I would guess it was a basecoat/clearcoat paint job?
The best way to clean oxidized aluminum is with mild acids. It's not fun or easy but works the best. Mag cleaner or specifically designed aluminum brightener like PPG DX533 followed by a conditioner like DX501 work the best to give it that as cast finish but it won't last forever. Paint would be best for low maintenance. Be careful using acids!