Lye as an aluminum cleaner?

On 14 Oct 2006 13:25:41 GMT, Ian Stirling
wrote:

Michael Horowitz wrote:
I've taken my aileron apart and notice corrosion on the thin aluminum
parts, so I'm reading around about cleaning prior to alodining. I've
taken a stainless steel brush to the surface and removed most of the
corrosion, but it's really a PITA.

Someone suggested using lye as a cleaner. Anyone have any experience
using supermarket lye in that role? - Mike

Dunk it in a concentrated solution of lye, come back in a day, and you
won't see any corrosion!

OTOH, the aluminium will have totally dissolved.

Lye as a aluminium cleaner is possible, in some very few circumstances.

I'd suggest thin aluminium parts are not one.
You might find a wirebrush in a drill is a good idea.

And if they are in fact that corroded, consider if the strength has been
affected.


I've wirebrushed 'til everything is shiny and was looking for an
inexpensive cleaner prior to alodizing; maybe it is poor economy;
someone suggested I look for the PPG line of cleaner and alodiner -
that would help keep me from wrapping myself around the axle over
which way to go. Thanks, Mike

Phosphoric acid. Diluted about 50% with distilled water. apply with
brush. Leave on 3 minutes Rinse the hell out of it with fresh water and
neutralize with baking soda. Taste the rinse water. If it tastes like
acid, rinse some more. Dry, prime.