can i clean my valve cover without polishing or painting it?

[76bimmer]

faq,

does anyone have a sugestion for how to clean up my valve cover without painting it and without giving it a high gloss? i'm looking for a kind of original matted finish.

i have read several discusions in the archives but have not found the answer i am looking for.

i started to use semichrome polish with a brass brush but was not getting the look i was after.

my cover looks pretty good but it has some light black pitting and discoloration in spots.

i am tempted to try a small steel wire brush on my pneumatic mini angle grinder but am afraid that might be too harsh.

any ideas? please advise. thank you.

76bimmer

[finkbuilt]

try mineral spirits with a brass brush. Requires lots of time, but it comes out clean.

[Harv]

Bead blast and clean with POR15 Marine Clean. And I would paint it with Alumicast aluminum paint. The paint looks just like clean aluminum and it seals the surface to resist stains.

It's always worked for me.

http://www.por15.com/PRODUCTS/CLEANERSDEGREASERS/MARINECLEANDEGREASER/tabid/59/Default.aspx

John

[esty]

you don't need to buy por, wurth or aligator label'd anything...use any good cleaner or lacquer thinner and medium steel wool

lacquer thinner cleans best...after it's clean, scub it with fine steel wool to create a dull shine

[jetboy]

brillo pads work well.

[BOBERL15]

If you're only cleaning the exterior a mild steel wool may give you the look your after.

Ben

[RandyMolson]

brillo pads work well.

Unless the cover looks like this.

[fahrvergnugen_02]

Diesel fuel/mineral spirits and a bristle brush to remove any major grime, then media blast it if at all possible. Media blasting is by far the quickest and most thorough way to clean parts, imo. It also leaves a very nice matte finish as well.

Using clear or aluminum-color paint will make the cover look natural, and it'll be much easier to clean later on.