Author Topic: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners  (Read 451 times)

Online PeteS

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Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« 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
« Last Edit: July 11, 2025, 04:32:34 PM by PeteS »

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #1 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.
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Online PeteS

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #2 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

Offline aklawok

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #3 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.
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Online John Croucher

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2025, 05:20:48 PM »
Pinsol cleaner.  Has acid and alcohol base, smells good.

Online AJ Huff

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #5 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.

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Online PeteS

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #6 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

Online RinkRat II

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #7 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:
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Online blackcat

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #9 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.
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Online PeteS

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #10 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

Offline FrankenGuzzi

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Re: Acid Based Aluminum Cleaners
« Reply #11 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


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