Vinegar IMO no. A phosphoric acid based product is what you want to use. Ospho would be a good choice. Cheaper than the dedicated aluminum prep wash's. Most of the marketed aluminum prep wash's are phosphoric acid based as is Ospho.Thanks. It’s a car transmission and the rebuilder didn’t get it very clean and I knew I could not blast it. Would vinegar work as a good prep or should I use an aluminum brightener like they use on big truck tanks as long as I don’t let it dry and rinse it real good?
Might be a good idea though to dilute it a touch. Say 2 parts Ospho to 1 part water.Yea that is the same way Barry told me to use Ospho on steel. I figured it was too aggressive for aluminum. I have some on the shelf. Thank you
Ask me what happens when you leave a timing cover for a Honda in a tub of Purple Stuff overnight.i use the zep purple industrial cleaner from home depot on aluminum. its a base, not acid so its actually quite a bit more reactive to bare aluminum. not only will the stuff melt away the dirt, oil, grease, etc it will also etch the aluminum surface. spray on and if its heavy grease then scrub with a scrub brush to break it up, hose it off real good, blow it dry and epoxy it. will last years. no blasting, sanding necessary.