Need to clean an AL trans, what to use?

**Bbasso** · 11-26-2007, 03:37 PM

Hey guys, been a while since I logged on last...

Hope all of your thanksgivings were good

Been busy with life, all good!

Now here is my question.

I have the trans out of my car and would like to strip it clean of all the dirt/ grease BUT I am in need of a off the shelf product that can clean AL with ease.

I was thinking of an Acid type product such as One Chrome & Wire Wheel Cleaner.

My goal is to have the Al looking new as possible with out much work before I put it back in the car tomorrow.

I tried simple green and greased lighting, while they clean they don`t get that stripped look when the trans is new.

Does anyone have some suggestions?

Thank you!

**jesselyons2002** · 11-26-2007, 03:40 PM

Have you tried black magic engine shine. I myself just pressure wash the tranny when I have it out of the engine bay. You can go to the local self wash place and see if they have a high pressure washer or If you have one use that.

**Bbasso** · 11-26-2007, 04:51 PM

walked over to the auto parts store and bought eagleone Etching Mag Cleaner, Worked just fine.

I`ll see if I can get picture up before I toss the trans back in.

**Accumulator** · 11-26-2007, 06:38 PM

Bbasso- Glad you found something that worked well. I`ll keep that in mind for similar jobs. I *had* been wondering how Navel Jelly`s Aluminum Jelly would work, but I`d be sorta leery about trying it on something I really cared about.

**TrueDetailer** · 11-26-2007, 07:01 PM

Get yourself some stiff brushes and a heavy degreaser and go to town. After you get it free from grease buildup then use a wheel acid to brighten it up.

**itb76** · 11-26-2007, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by Bbasso

walked over to the auto parts store and bought eagleone Etching Mag Cleaner, Worked just fine.

I`ll see if I can get picture up before I toss the trans back in.

Thanks for the tip; I`ve got an intake that could really use that!

**Bbasso** · 11-27-2007, 08:12 PM

Now that it has dried I noticed that it made the AL a little bit darker then it was, but the finish is clean and even. be careful, it seems kinda strong.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get a decent picture.

**8Banger** · 11-28-2007, 12:17 AM

What kinda car do you have and what trans is it? Just wondering.

**jshillin** · 11-28-2007, 06:39 AM

I`ve cleaned up a few aluminum transmissions on my cars... Degrease them and scrub them with a brush first, then rinse with water. After everything is dry, get some aluminum etch, coat it, let it dwell for 30 seconds to a minutes, scrub it a bit with a brush them rinse and dry, should come out real nice.

The last one I did was in my eclipse and the thing was black! Took me about an hour and it turned out great!!!

**imported_memnuts** · 11-28-2007, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Bbasso

walked over to the auto parts store and bought eagleone Etching Mag Cleaner, Worked just fine.

I`ll see if I can get picture up before I toss the trans back in.

I use this for my Aluminum C5Z06 suspension parts. Works great!!!

Spray on, dwell for about 30 seconds and rinse off. :xyxthumbs

**caseygw** · 11-28-2007, 06:58 PM

hey rob...i just signed up here. i want to see pics of the tranny...did it leave any white oxidization? thats the problem ive had previously with cleaners

**Bbasso** · 11-29-2007, 08:15 AM

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/503605 for what kind of car I have.

Casey, no it did not. kinda turned the case a dark gunmetal color, not 100% what I wanted but way better then it was.

I took a bunch of pics but I forgot my camera in the garage last night. So it will be a little longer before I can post them.