What I found follows, but looking for method that has worked for someone already. Thanks Tom PS: For what it's worth, here is what I've found: I've asked the brain dead ChatGPT too, sometimes it brings back good info. Acetic Acid: Lemon juice boiling, but BAD for working in house due to nasty odors (it's below zero here and windows NOT opened!). maybe a long time soak, in ultrasonic cleaner. (Also suggested by ChatGTP) CLR? mentioned once, not sure if it has the strength. White vinegar - did try this full strength in the ultrasonic cleaner and if it does work would take many, many hours, so not sure if it has the strength. Evap-O-Rust, did this doesn't seem to work in ultrasonic too. Phosphoric acid hot: from ChatGPT: 4. Use of Hot, Concentrated Phosphoric Acid Phosphoric acid (H3PO4H₃PO₄H3PO4) can attack aluminum oxide effectively: Al2O3+2H3PO4→2AlPO4+3H2OAl_2O_3 + 2H₃PO₄ \rightarrow 2AlPO₄ + 3H_2OAl2O3+2H3PO4→2AlPO4+3H2O Phosphoric acid forms a p***ivating layer on aluminum metal, preventing further reaction in some cases. However, this depends on acid concentration and temperature. HCL (Muriatic acid): from ChatGPT Example Reaction (with dilute hydrochloric acid): Al2O3+6HCl→2AlCl3+3H2OAl_2O_3 + 6HCl \rightarrow 2AlCl_3 + 3H_2OAl2O3+6HCl→2AlCl3+3H2O Caveat: Prolonged exposure can dissolve aluminum metal too. This approach requires careful control of concentration, time, and temperature.
light blasting in a gl*** bead blast cabinet. Make sure you do a really good job of cleaning it afterwards.
Vintage carbs may be a zinc alloy, typically Zamac (zinc, aluminum, magnesium, copper). Less porous than aluminum, but more expensive. Zinc corrosion of oxides or hydroxides will be much the same as aluminum.
Baking Soda Blasting works very well and when rinsed with water doesn’t leave residue or debris behind. But you asked the question what chemicals will work. I have used AlumaNew Aluminum Brightener manufactured by Quality Chemical available from Amazon. Usually poured into a pump spray bottle applying then rinsed with water. Caution! This is a diluted acid which will etch aluminum and turn it a gray color at full strength which is what I wanted to do as a type of primer for paint. However, the instructions call for various solutions. It is used to clean and brighten aluminum tanker trucks, pontoon boats, etc. I’m sure it would work in an ultrasonic cleaner but probably need some experimentation as to concentration.
I had & tried some commercial strength lime away (removes CLR) and it not bad. AlumaNew sounds like a good product. I have a auto service garage owner that also tows and knows big trucks. I need to ask him.
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