Restoring Aluminum & Zinc Plated Engine Parts

MBZ 500E · 09-01-03, 04:58

Just wanted to post something I discovered this weekend.

BEFORE DESCRIPTION:

When I acquired the 500E most of the aluminum on the engine block had blackened and had old cosmoline on it. In the process of restoring it I tried Griots Engine Cleaner & Simple Green Automotive, neither changed the appearance even with the assistance of a Nylon Detailing Brush.

My engine bay also has many Zinc Plated (Gold Colored) nuts, bolts and fasteners. These pieces had embedded dirt and some very light dirt buildup as well as old cosmoline. These components were also scrubbed with a Nylon brush and the two cleaners above with no change. The dirt seemed to have etched itself on the surface.

AFTER THE BRASS DETAILING BRUSH:

My friend who has the same car suggested a Brass Detailing Brush and showed me a before and after in his aluminum engine block. So today I tried it and was stunned how well it restored my block, all the dirt buildup brushed away and a quick wipe with a rag brought back the natural finish I wanted.

So I started to experiment and tried the brush on some zinc bolts and too my amazement it removed the buildup and left a shiny gold surface.

I used it on my metal brake lines, stainless braided wires and any other metal surfaces which need cleaning up. My engine looks great now and I'm another step closer to being show ready.

Give it a try, just keep it away from plastic and painted surfaces.

edschwab1 · 09-01-03, 05:04

Did you use the Griots and SG Auto with the brass brush? Also did the brush damage any of the soft metal?

Eric

MBZ 500E · 09-01-03, 05:26

Eric,

I didn't use the Griots or SG Automotive, I just used the brush and wiped with Meguiars Final Detail and a rag. Brass is one of the softest metals available and doesn't damage aluminum (Harder) or other metals in the bay. It will strip paints and coatings quickly so you do have be be careful of surrounding areas. It will also mar plastic since it's harder.

Here's a shot of my ABS Unit:

MBZ 500E · 09-01-03, 05:28

Here's a closeup of the stainless lines and some of the zinc plated fittings. Note I haven't removed all the cosmoline yet, but I'll get there!

MBZ 500E · 09-01-03, 05:31

The aluminum block:

I wish I could post higher res pictures to show the how well it cleaned the lettering.

Brad B. · 09-02-03, 07:34

Excellent! I have one just never use it. I will try that on some of my Carrera fittings.

butchdave · 09-02-03, 10:25

Great !

I have just started playing in the engine bay of my Volvo and this is certainly something to play with.

Lowejackson · 09-09-03, 12:42

Nice pictures

What exactly is a brass brush?

Butchdave, where can I buy one from?

butchdave · 09-09-03, 01:34

Quote:

Originally posted by Lowejackson
What exactly is a brass brush?

Butchdave, where can I buy one from?

Seriously though I bought mine in Halfords. My first thought was a suede brush but they all seem to be plastic now. I'm sure there are better sources.

You do have to realise that if there is corrosion then any plating will have been lost, and I did find that the brass brush would remove some types of plating

MBZ 500E · 09-09-03, 07:11

Yes a brass brush would remove anodizing from aluminum and I guess if you continue to scrub a Zinc Plated metal you might rub that off too. But if you're careful you should be fine.

I bought my brass detailing brush from Griots.

Lynn · 09-09-03, 08:05

I've bought my brass detailing brushes at plain old hardware stores (which are, in the US, Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, etc.). Never had to go hunting thru speciality suppliers.

Yes, I find them gentler than some others -- really effective at removing heavy corrosion -- but still capable of removing some metal finishes. I'd be inclined to be careful with them. I have some deteriorating zinc/cad-plating, and I stay clear of them with metal detailing brushes. But I'm not the expert that some here are.

MBZ 500E · 09-17-03, 12:07

I'd like to add that I'm not an expert either so use at your own discretion.

In my case it worked extremely well and removed everything I wanted it to remove. I will note that one of my CAD Plated parts did have corrosion and it removed it and left the base metal. It didn't damage the CAD Plating that had remained.

Rule of thumb when trying any new product........always test in a small inconspicouls area first!