Degreasing and protecting my nuts

[Steve in Cairns]

Now I finally have the engine out I have started to degrease everything. It's going OK but I have hit a snag with the alloy components. I was using general stuff from Supercheap and it has left some black (I assume oil) marking behind. I have read a lot of threads but was wondering what people would recommend.
Secondly, after cleaning do I need to protect the different components such as nuts/washers, bare metal and alloy bits.

[marting]

Hi

I have been washing alloy components etc. with a combination of CT18, elbow grease and a pressure washer. The CT18 doesn't leave any marks. Not sure how you can remove the stains your wash has left behind.

I have been cleaning nuts, bolts, washers etc. with a wire brush on the bench grinder and then giving them a coat of penetrol. Penetrol is an anti rust control agent and seems to work pretty well. Others on here whose vehicles are actually finished may be able to vouch for the longevity of this product better than me!!

Cheers, Martin

[SII Josh]

i have also been using the same method as martin with the bare metal parts on the car being brushed in penetrol (you can get it from buntings)

as for cleaning the aluminium parts i have used an acid bath wash (hydrochloric acid and water) again you can get this from bunnings, just follow the instructions on the bottle.

cheers
josh

[Steve in Cairns]

Thanks for that guys.
I went and got myself a grinder today ready for some serious cleaning this weekend. The bloke in the shop suggested I use vinegar on the aluminium, any thoughts?

[SII Josh]

vinegar? thats new to me so not sure if it will work or not.

if you do go down the road of acid bathing the aluminium parts be sure to wash the parts with plenty of fresh water, any acid left behind will continue to eat the aluminium.

[sisyphus]

I also agree with Martin and Josh and after cleaning nuts and bolts etc a spray with Penetrol and allow to dry gives great protection and it creeps in every where completely. Also can be painted over providing excellent adhesion . If your careful enough oven cleaner will clean aluminum also just keep it off your skin .:cool:

[Steve in Cairns]

Thanks guys.
I'm having trouble locating penetrol, any Ida's as to where I can get it?

Thanks.

[Chris66]

Bunnings sells it.
Flood 4L Penetrol Paint Additive I/N 1566568 | Bunnings Warehouse (http://www.bunnings.com.au/flood-4l-penetrol-paint-additive-_p1566568)
They also sell a spray can of the stuff as well.

[Steve in Cairns]

I'll head down there in the morning.

[sisyphus]

The spray can is really good and easy to use as soon as you've cleaned a bolt nut or whatever simply give a liberal coat and put it aside to dry but a word of caution when wet and allowed to dry they will tend to stick together try to lay them out separately . If say I'm cleaning a hand full of nuts bolts and washers I use a plastic takeaway container give them all a good spray and come back to it thoughout the day and give it a shake to move them a round as it settles.Hope this helps...and Bunnings has the spray also.:)

[Steve in Cairns]

I have cleaned up the sump and given it a coating of Penetrol. Do I use a normal spray primer ontop of this or do I need to snad it down befroe applying the primer?


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=84758&d=1411987538

[marting]

You can paint straight over the Penetrol. I have been using a primer, and then an enamel topcoat. The Penetrol is designed to help the paint adhere.
I spoke to the Penetrol rep when I started the project and was advised just to clean the Penetrol with air to remove dust etc. prior to painting. Your normal surface prep stuff like Wax & Grease remover is too harsh on the Penetrol.
Just be aware of the warnings on the Penetrol container regarding use of 2-pack paints etc.
Cheers, Martin

[chazza]

I agree with Martin. If you use an engine enamel primer is not required,

Cheers Charlie

[Steve in Cairns]

Thanks for the information guys, finished the sump and fixings.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=84885&d=1412159201

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=84886&d=1412159280


Cheers
Steve.

[marting]

Hi Steve

Looking good! It will be well worth the effort in the long run.

Cheers, Martin

[NQSeriesRover]

Hi Steve,
I've been doing the vinegar treatment as well with reasonable results. For fasteners with heavy rust the Bondall Ranex Rustbuster is the best I've found (the septone brand from supa cheap didnt work at all). Also for larger items I've been running a electrolysis set up with sodium bicarb....works a treat if left for a few days.

Glad to learn of the Penetrol tonight, have been wondering what to put on all my freshly de-rusted fixings.

I'm in Cairns as well, if you want to catch up just PM me.

Regards, matt