Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners

[PeteS]

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

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics uses Zep Alume-E. I've tried to buy it from my local Zep dealers and distributors without success.

[PeteS]

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

[aklawok]

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.

[John Croucher]

Pinsol cleaner.  Has acid and alcohol base, smells good.

[AJ Huff]

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

[PeteS]

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

[RinkRat II]

    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

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

       My $.02
      Paul B 

[Pescatore]

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

[blackcat]

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.

[PeteS]

Looks like there are many phosphoric acid cleaners on Amazon. I may try one of them.

Pete

[FrankenGuzzi]

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

[boatdetective]

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). 

[PeteS]

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

[Pescatore]

I used Muc-Off and did a good job brightening the engine
and cast aluminum wheels.
A toothbrush worked magic into tight spots.