How to clean aluminum engine parts – Get rid of engine blocks

Love it or hate it, cleaning is a part of our lives. How much you have to clean depends on the equipment you have at home and in your garage. Our focus in this article is, of course, on the most significant things in your garage – your vehicle.

Cars and trucks are like extended parts of our lives. Not many of us can imagine going through the day without them. And just like every other useful item you possess, they need some love and attention in the form of regular maintenance and cleaning.

While washing is a routine process, you should also look at cleaning the engine parts from time to time. Otherwise, chances of blockage and related problems arise. Since this is not something that you would do regularly, we understand the confusion and apprehension. That is why we are here to help! 

We have listed out a few of the easiest and most popular ways of cleaning aluminum engine parts safely. Keep reading.

Important points to note

Before starting, we want to clarify that this process can be dangerous if you are not careful. The methods of cleaning aluminum parts are different from those for iron parts. Please don’t employ them here. 

Alongside this, please remember to wear a mask and protective gear. Take your vehicle out in a ventilated area for the cleaning process. Don’t do it in an enclosure.

Lastly, all the wastewater should be collected and disposed of responsibly. Letting it run into the sewer is dangerous. 

How to clean aluminum engine parts

Believe it or not, there are many different ways to clean your engine besides the old “washing technique.” We will talk about them all.

1. Regular wash

This technique is the best choice if you are dealing with light oil and basic dirt. You can use a mild cleaner, such as the dishwasher detergent, for this process. We do not recommend anything harsh here.

2. Pressure wash

If there’s more than just light oil and basic dirt, you can take it up a notch and try to pressure wash it. But remember that this is safe only if there’s no corrosion, and you want to clean the engine as a whole. Steer clear of the exhaust header seals and countershaft during this form of cleaning.

3. Wire brush

Using a wire brush is one of our favorite methods of cleaning blocks in aluminum engine parts. If you don’t have a wire brush, you can buy one from the welding store or online. This method will get rid of corrosion easily. Just make sure you do not apply too much force. You should be gentle. 

We received many queries about using a ball of steel wool instead. That’s not a good idea. Those who have tried it have regretted it because the steel wool tends to break off and get lodged in. It tends to stick to the aluminum. Let’s learn from their mistakes and stay safe.

4. Grounded walnuts

If there is excessive crud and corrosion, you can use a blasting method using grounded walnuts. They will get rid of your problem and give the engine an excellent look.

Other blasting methods include glass beads and sandblasting. These are perfect for uncorroded parts that are rough. 

While all these techniques seem simple, they require caution. If you don’t have mechanical knowledge, it would be best to steer clear and let the professional handle the cleaning. Otherwise, you may end up damaging the engine parts. Replacing them is extremely expensive, and we are sure you want to avoid that. 

Do you have any other methods that you think can make the list? Or, do you have any questions about the process? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment.