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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: PeteS on July 11, 2025, 04:30:35 PM

Title: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: PeteS on July 11, 2025, 04:30:35 PM
Just discovered that Eagle One Etching Mag Wheel Cleaner is NLA. I found it the best way to clean cast aluminum cases, cylinders, and heads. I tried some Napa Aluminum Brightener but its nowhere near as effective. Anyone found something that works as well as the Eagle One?
OB Guzzi content, I found the alternator cover on the new V85 stained from road debris or water? Lots of elbow grease with Mothers Mag Polish and its still not like new. Not sure why they didn’t treat it or clear coat it.

Pete
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on July 11, 2025, 04:38:58 PM
Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics uses Zep Alume-E. I've tried to buy it from my local Zep dealers and distributors without success.
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: PeteS on July 11, 2025, 04:57:16 PM
AlumE doesn’t even show up on the Zep website other than a description. I wonder if an ingredient used in these acid cleaners are now banned, like methylene chloride paint strippers are now banned?

Pete
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: aklawok on July 11, 2025, 05:08:51 PM
I got interested in this product and this is all I could find:
https://images.zep.com/zepcorporate/tds/psr_1062.pdf
In the notes it says:
Note: Zep’s Product Care Program requires Zep Sales Representative and their Customers be certified in proper handling and use of this product as it contains HF.
 
Probably why it's not a direct sale item, there is a call# on the spec sheet though.
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: John Croucher on July 11, 2025, 05:20:48 PM
Pinsol cleaner.  Has acid and alcohol base, smells good.
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: AJ Huff on July 11, 2025, 05:26:31 PM
Looks like Eagle One Etching Mag Wheel cleaner is basically phosphoric acid with a splash of sulfuric. Milk stone remover is phosphoric acid so you might have similar results with it. And probably a lot cheaper.

-AJ
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: PeteS on July 11, 2025, 05:34:35 PM
Colas have phosphoric acid as well. I know some have used it as a rust remover. Eagle One would work in about 30 seconds. Spray on, wash off with lots of water.

Pete
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: RinkRat II on July 11, 2025, 07:00:28 PM

    Zepalume........... .... Section 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
 SULFURIC ACID; oil of vitriol
 HYDROFLUORIC ACID ; hydrogen fluoride; hydrofluoride
 PHOSPHORIC ACID
 ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER;   2-butoxyethanol; butyl cellosolve
 
      Nasty but probably works great :evil:

      Some very dilute lye and water mix may be worth a try

       My $.02
      Paul B  :boozing:
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: Pescatore on July 11, 2025, 09:14:51 PM
Maybe some left at this seller.
https://us.amazon.com/Eagle-One-E301345400-Plastic-Coat-Cleaner/dp/B079LTC6QV/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l1urP1n0VS4xUekYX6izT466ZRldJBizMyxWns5a20EHhPhg3qMrk4l08K68cT1EMgcge9P6AL9ytUfJvz9ptg3Mfz468dSOd8ov5jys8BfX7GZQ22EUepcjki0kgIO5U34Fik5Qzr_KAtE0HkCBZeq-kThcdIzJ2C82Lm1DxjhOQOAtZWQPLJLjqU42INi1dRHvxuKMr2Eb54V5g41vPQ.gOptrrajIXPZVv1oH-G6OUUur4mXuq6nMJFmShLieys&dib_tag=se&keywords=eagle+one+etching+mag+wheel+cleaner&qid=1752286053&sr=8-9
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: blackcat on July 12, 2025, 04:28:57 PM
Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics uses Zep Alume-E. I've tried to buy it from my local Zep dealers and distributors without success.

That's because that stuff is extremely toxic and they will not sell it like most of their consumer based retail products. I assume that Mark gets it because he is running a business that justifies the use but after a friend talked to a Zep salesman about the product I'm no longer interested in taking that risk and either is my friend.
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: PeteS on July 12, 2025, 05:41:31 PM
Looks like there are many phosphoric acid cleaners on Amazon. I may try one of them.

Pete
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: FrankenGuzzi on July 14, 2025, 02:56:03 PM
Looks like Eagle One Etching Mag Wheel cleaner is basically phosphoric acid with a splash of sulfuric. Milk stone remover is phosphoric acid so you might have similar results with it. And probably a lot cheaper.

Power Team Acid Rinse contains phosphoric and sulfuric: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dairyland-power-team-acid-rinse-1201150
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: boatdetective on July 18, 2025, 12:47:58 PM
Yup- Zep Alum is primarily Hydroflouric and YES, it is ridiculously dangerous. However, it does work like a bastard. They pulled it a number of years back.
Here's a hint- find an operation that commercially cleans tractor trailers. They will have 55 gallon drums of the stuff.

People as a rule tend to be generic about their acids, but don't realize that acids attack (or don't affect) metals differently. In fact, you can buy a suite of acid reagents to positively identify most metals. I recall having my V50 engine on the bench and had a hell of a time finding which acid really worked to brighten the case (I was unsuccessful). 
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: PeteS on July 18, 2025, 06:38:37 PM
Power Team Acid Rinse contains phosphoric and sulfuric: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dairyland-power-team-acid-rinse-1201150

I did an MSDS on this stuff. They claim it has Sulfuric but MSDS makes no mention of it so maybe just a trace amount for advertising purposes.

Pete
Title: Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
Post by: Pescatore on July 19, 2025, 07:20:29 AM
I used Muc-Off and did a good job brightening the engine
and cast aluminum wheels.
A toothbrush worked magic into tight spots.