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  1. #1
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    Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    Hey guys, I need to remove the oxidation on an aluminum engine on a custom motorcycle. I was looking into a product called aluminate but not sure if it would be ok to use on an engine.

  2. #2
    Super Member Mantilgh's Avatar
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    Acid based Aluminum cleaners/brighters like the one you listed will only remove light oxidation from my experience. If you are talking about the crusty white oxidation, some agitation with a cleaner may help some but the surface may not look great after. There may be pitting, spotting, and a general haze leftover that would need to de sanded out to look better. Quite a task on a motorcycle engine if it's in bad state.

    If it's just lightly oxidized/milky looking, the cleaner/brighter should brighten it up some.

    I'm not sure how safe it would be to use on a motorcycle engine. You may have to worry about overspray on certain materials.
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  3. #3
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    Thats what I was worried about. I also don't want it to turn out "blotchy" if you know what I mean.

  4. #4
    Super Member brettS4's Avatar
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    Have you tried Bar Keepers Friend?

  5. #5
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    How well does it work?

  6. #6
    Super Member brettS4's Avatar
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    I've never tried it on an engine but it's amazing on stainless steel surfaces. It's similar to using Comet... just mix some powder with water to whatever consistency you want and do a little scrubbing. I have no idea if it will do what you want, but since you can get it in just about any grocery store, Home Depot or someplace similar, and costs only about $4, it's worth a shot. Use it with a mild scotchbrite pad.

  7. #7
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    I haven't used it but Flitz has this aluminum precleaner that seems to work great. Mike did a post on it I believe along with some pics and vids.

  8. #8
    Super Member HateSwirls's Avatar
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    If it's really bad wet sanding may be needed.
    I just restored a 1983 Honda CM400A
    The engine covers were awful,I sanded with 400, 600, 1000, then 1500.
    Afterwards I started polishing using the brown and white compound brick, came out looking like chrome.


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  9. #9
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    BKF is a acid. Not recommended for alum.

  10. #10
    Super Member Mantilgh's Avatar
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    Re: Removing oxidation on an aluminum engine custom bike

    I wouldn't use it on good condition or highly polished raw aluminum, but I would use it or do use acid brighteners on heavy oxidized raw aluminum prior to polishing.
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