clean aluminum from crankshaft?

Has anyone used oven cleaner (similar to lye) to remove aluminum stuck on a crankshaft journal? Honda 8 hp engine gx240 that was run without oil and broke the connecting rod. I want to save the engine as it is a hard to find gear reduction unit. Any suggestions are appreciated

 

I had the same thing on the same engine. The PO bypassed the light/no start thing. Spun the rod
I took the crank to a machine shop, had it polished.
Didn’t check nor was worried about clearances though, but used the engine for a home built quad for the kids.

 

Muriatic Acid, will eat the Aluminum, and not touch the steel crankshaft.

Also works when you stick a piston.

 

Yep, lye will work. Acids will too if rinsed quickly but overexposure can etch the steel

 

Oven cleaner is the go to for removing aluminum from cylinder walls after smearing a piston in a 2t. Never used it on a crank but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

 

When Younger , Polished crank with shoe string & emery cloth.

 

And it works pretty well.

 

Heat......Aluminum melts way before steel. Just play the torch slowly over the surface , not lingering or pointing it directly at the journal and then a wire brush to knock it away.

 

Yep! I've done it with 400 and 600 grit 3m paper.... Keep a micrometer handy!!!!!....