What is the best way to clean finned heads?

What is the secret to cleaning finned aluminum flathead heads? My big fingers will not fit between them with a rag. Also, my intake is raw aluminum and is a real pain in the ass to keep clean. Any ideas? I'm trying to stop my 94's from weeping fuel by installing a new gasket set, we will see how that works. I've thought about having the manifold ceramic coated, but I'm not sure if that will help much.

 

Iceberg I use simple green it works real good on aluminum polished or not.It doesnt seem to dull the polish like others. Just spray it on let it set a few and hose it off. Using a pressure washer with just cold water REALLY works. DONT use superclean it dulls the polished parts did that no fun.---Feder

 

You dont need to eat off it, it looks clean enough the way it is , besides a little grime gives it character. BTW that thing still for sale? If so how much?

 

My 94's have been weeping fuel & w/o hood sides, she picks up quite a bit of road mung. I also sprayed it with Castrol Super Cleaner Degeaser that stained all the aluminum & chrome. Don't ever use this shit on your motor, it really made a freggin' mess that I'm still cleaning up. I have no intention of cleaning my engine to FDA/USDA standards, however I want to keep it presentable.

I have not tried very hard to sell my pickup since I still like it quite a bit. I also worry about selling my realiable hot rod & picking up someone's problem child. I have spent the last three years rebuilding the drivetrain & repairing the banged up body on my ex-ranch rig. It starts every time, runs down the road true and is a blast to dive. I might just pick up another 30's tudor sedan project and build a early OHV powered garage mate for the little pickup.

 

Simple Green is good stuff. As for getting between fins, try a toothbrush wrapped in a shop rag.

 

Lacquer thinner and a tooth brush - nothing better.