Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Just wondering, is it ok to clean a cast aluminium intake manifold in a caustic hot tank as long as its put in a rinse tank straight after?

I have access to one and it seems like an easy and efficient way to clean it.

It's a 4bbl V8 Holden manifold.

cheers
sudso

Dont leave it there or you wont have a manifold anymore. You can do it, but it is a pain in the ass. You dip it, for a minute or so, then wash it. repeat until clean. It would be easier (and safer) to sandblast.

Andy

Aluminim and its alloys are highly reactive. Putting them in a caustic tank will eat thru them in almost no time at all.


Only a real expert at this sort of stuff should even attempt this, and then wash and soak them in clean water after each dip.


I've seent his doen on motorbike alloy cases and alloy heads with disastrous results. Even the distraction of a few minute phone call is enough to kill them.

I'd also aim for a bead or sandblast option.

Stick it in the dishwasher (just don't tell your wife) on pot and pans/heavy duty cycle. Usually works well for heads, rocker covers, manifolds etc.

lucy wrote:Stick it in the dishwasher (just don't tell your wife) on pot and pans/heavy duty cycle. Usually works well for heads, rocker covers, manifolds etc.

mmmmmmm My inlaws have a dishwasher

used to use hot tank for cast iron and cold tank for alloy but can't remenber what was in cold tank

x3 for the sandblasting, will bring it up looking mint. Just make sure you run the abrasive thru the water jacket, then make sure you clean it completely with compressed air to remove all the particles.

Thanks for the tips fellas.
Yeah sandblasting will be the better option. I got a sb kit here somewhere within the domestic jungle.