Restoring cast aluminium

[mk1nova_rich]

I have an engine which has been sat some time and in all honesty expected to have to scrap it but it turns over easily and the internals are in very good nick so the plan is to rebuild it.

My only concern is some areas of exposed cast aluminium (thermostat housing, cylinder head etc) have oxidised. What's the best way to restore these parts and prevent further oxidisation taking place?

[meritlover]

Walnut blast and cover in grease

[paul james]

Autosol Metal polish is good stuff. Its somewhat tricky to keep everything looking perfect as the engine invariably gets grubby in use anyway, and its a pain to try and clean up again in place with everything attached. However if you aim to get the rocker cover shiny (assuming its an 8v Nova engine), then its easy to keep that way.

You could always paint or have things coated to stop the aluminium trying to oxidise, I've seen gold plated rocker covers and bits on German ebay before.

[mk1nova_rich]

Thanks for the info lads. I will try and get a pic up tomorrow to show what I mean. It's a 16v so not on anything hugely visible like the cam cover but still something I want to rectify.

[Southie]

Thanks for the info lads. I will try and get a pic up tomorrow to show what I mean. It's a 16v so not on anything hugely visible like the cam cover but still something I want to rectify.
Is this the heart from Bessie lol

[boffer8]

How bad is it rich?

If its just surface then a decent wire brush and power wash should suffice, then just blow dry it with an airline or leave it in the sun to dry.

If its anything more, then strip and clean it properly.

Not a lot you can do to keep the white stuff away unless you paint protect it, clearcoat or similar, the damp air will get to it no matter what as i have learnt over the years....