5vzfe valve covers cleaning attempt

Attempted to clean these covers - I used engine degreaser parts cleaner then I soaked in LA Totally Awesome and the exterior looks like it has a white substance that awesome look like a powder like baking soda - what could this be ? Rinsed off the oil side - had to scrub w/ wire brush the top side - got them soaking in gas now….

 

That powder is likely corrosion. Either from the environment the truck was in, or the chemicals you soaked the aluminum in.

 

Ok I thought what I used was for aluminum - it did specify no acid - is it reversible ?

 

Not 100% sure but I think the LA Awesome might do that to aluminum.

 

Seems like I remember people saying to keep Simple Green off aluminum components when cleaning engine bay. Or rinse off immediately. Same thing might pertain to LA Awesome, which is even stronger.

 

Now I know !

 

usually those chemicals come with a dilution ratio, did you properly dilute it?

 

You can try sanding it. Maybe some 0000 steel wool. Or aluminum polish.

 

You use "brake cleaner" its not costic, you can clean your fabric seats with it thats what they use to dryclean clothes.

 

No the label said different ratios and some was straight w/out diluting. Clearly I shouldn’t have used it I’m thinking and will probably just replace them - when it looks like, sounds like it must be !

 

Looks like a good clean! Engine side looked gunked up. Do you do frequent oil changes?

 

New owner so will do oil changes

 

Don't know if this is sattire, but that is not true.

 

No its true Im comparing it to carb cleaner and chlorinated cleaners

 

Still, where are you getting your clothes dry cleaned at, Autozone?

 

My neighbor told me that.

 

Doesn't make it true.

 

Im pretty sure that's the chem trails the planes are laying down. Its brake cleaner?

 

I'm not sure how chem trails relate.