Valve cover/intake cleaning

[mschel]

I have seen a lot of methods to clean and remove the oxidation from valve covers and intakes like wd40/brass wheel, vinegar and water, oven cleaner, Aluma Bright, etc. I have a fair bit of black and white oxidation.

What's the consensus on here? I don't want to spend much time just make them look a lot better but don't want to leave scratches or damage them.

Thanks.

[redroadster]

400to 600 grit then buff polish works

[Nissanman]

Depending on the finish you want, I used #80 grit garnet sand in a home media blasting cabinet @100psi.
It cleaned up the cover nicely and left a dull grey finish which has a very natural appearance.

CnC 010418.jpg

[mschel]

Guess I need an excuse to pick up a sandblasting cabinet

Looks nice

[mschel]

How time consuming was it?

400to 600 grit then buff polish works

[theunz]

My sandblast cabinet is one of my favorite tools, but you need a pretty big air compressor for any serious work. I prefer glass beads as a media, slightly slower but a smoother finish.

[DAC21]

Depending on the finish you want, I used #80 grit garnet sand in a home media blasting cabinet @100psi.
It cleaned up the cover nicely and left a dull grey finish which has a very natural appearance.

CnC 010418.jpg

Your photo was tripping me out, then I saw your Down Under Aussie profile.

[FergO2k]

Yeah, since RHD takes the steering and brake master over to the "correct" side, that side of the firewall looks real clean to us LHD "furr-eigners".
(that is why Spriso's work always looks so clean, among many clever things, he omits the "junction block" and over-and-back brake lines that clutter everything up)

[FergO2k]

Oh, and see if you can make friends with someone who has a "vapor blast cabinet". This uses some concoction of steam and / or beads, and things come out with a nice "polish" look that only needs a clear coat to remain in same condition. The local small bore motorcycle guys do this on their parts, looks real nice.

[mschel]

I was watching some DIY vapor blast videos on youtube. Definitely looks neat. I think I found a local guy that has a sand blaster so might go that route. Anyone try one of the chemical methods?

[redroadster]

How time consuming was it?

400to 600 grit then buff polish works

A bit ,2 hours with a wizzer airtool and brass or fine ss small wire it goes fast but then polishing hour or so steel wool 1st takes off a lot