Hi all

I got hold of a 1400 Datsun Pulsar aluminium tappet cover.
I will take some pics this weekend after I have fitted it.(Looks the same as the one Minnesh has on his engine)
Well, anyway, the thing is a little dirty and I want to clean it nice before fitting.
How can I clean aluminium and bring it up to a shine without damaging it?
I am planning on using engine cleaner on it first and then using a 100kpa preasure machine (as we call it here in South Africa a WAP) to hose it off. Will this thing not maybe damage the aluminium?
Can I use something like a brass cleaner to polish it up?
I heard that aluminium must "breath" and I am just afraid that it will seal the outside and not be able to "breath" properly.
Many thanks.

Here is the link to Minnesh's engine bay with the tappet cover on it.

Minnesh's engine bay with aluminium tappet cover

get some good quality mag wheel cleaner and a scrubbing brush and a bit of elbow grease

edit : is that aluminium or just a coat of silver paint ??

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Minnesh's one?
I don't know. Mine is exactly the same but just dirty and is definately aluminium.If he painted his then I would say .
Thanks boof. Will look into it.

are they 40 webbers ? they look massive in there. I love the look of that engine bay nice and clean

I think they are 45's

going by the raised letter is be saying its alloy....how common are these things?

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Sorry, what do you mean?

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Well, I tought I would have difficulty finding one, but when I phoned a mechanic friend he said there is one at the scrapyard across him. Upon walking in there was a 1400 pulsar engine also standing on the ground with one fitted. Reasonably available here in South Africa. Try and look around there in Aus. They look quite nice. The tin one always looked crappy to me so I sprayed mine the same as my car's color.

Damn, what to do with the 8 spare elephant stickers I made for the oil cap.

Quote:To remove the grunge, use some engine cleaner as you have intended. Once that is off, then, as has already been suggested, use a good mag wheel cleaner & a stiff bristle brush.

You could also use a fine grade of steel wool that is heavily impregnated with soap. Place the rocker cover on a washtub with some nice warm water [about 1/3rd full] & see if you can brighten up the whole thing.

As for your 100Kpa WAP machine, I think it should be junked. 100 Kilopascals is only 14.5psi. Hell mate, two cups of coffee & a half hour wait, & I could pi$$ on it with more pressure than that.
I can guarantee that this pressure will not damage the alloy.

Once you have removed all of the dirt, & this might take a few applications of mag cleaner & steel wool, then have a go with a metal polish. There must be several brands around, but read the label to be sure that it is OK on aluminium.

Knock yourself out & it will come up better than new.

Aluminium must breathe???? It's not leather or red wine, it's aluminium, ...... a metal.
I think that you listen to too many ignorant people & do not apply enough of your own good sense. If it 'breathes' then it is porous. If it's porous, then it leaks oil through the material it is made from & that would defeat the very purpose of it's existence.

No my friend, the alloy rocker cover should not 'breathe' & a quality metal polish will impart a layer of protective wax to help seal the surface & prevent it from tarnishing & oxidising.

Regarding polishing alloy I'd definately recommend using Autosol metal polish....It's cheap and works wonders. But preperation needs to be done first like removing the built up grease and grime. Once thats been removed, Hit it with steel wool. Once it's all nice and clean it will be ready for the Autosol polish.
Try it and see....You won't be dissapointed.