refreshing my gearbox housing

[rkde]

Hi,

After spending quite a lot of time cleaning my engine I am happy with it, but that was easy to clean up however the gearbox casing is another story. I want to get it ready to paint but what is the best / quickest way to clean all the oxidation off it?

Thanks for the advice and help

 

[awemawson]

Blast with walnut shells, or wash with sodium hydroxide solution. The later will need cleaning of with loads of water when done as it dissolves the aluminium if left too long.

 

[steveo3002]

if you're on a budget alloy wheel cleaner does a fair job...would need scrubbing and repeating a few times

could dust it over with wheel silver once its clean?

 

[rkde]

Just a question but if I blocked it up could I use soda blasting?

 

[Chipper]

Oven cleaner is another option, mild caustic. Or a mild acid like wheel cleaner as ^. Strip & clean discs would be quick but a bit abrasive, but might suit if yr painting.

 

[brightspark]

Just a question but if I blocked it up could I use soda blasting?

j blast superfine or something a little less abrasive providing its well sealed

 

[rkde]

Booked it in to get it vapour blasted so I will update this once done

 

[Graham S]

I've used Jenolite which is a phosphoric acid based rust remover to clean up ali with this sort of corrosion. Paint on, leave a while and wire wool it.

https://picasaweb.google.com/grezmos/RestoringTheForks?feat=directlink

I know you are getting it blasted but someone else might try the idea.

Graham

 

[PhillipM]

I just used a good degreaser (Surfex HD) and a nylon brush for mine:

Cleaned up alright to say it was 1/4" thick in grease made from clutch dust and a leaky seal...took all the oxide corrosion off the topside too.

Bit of Etchweld and some paint later...