Does anyone know where to buy aluminum cleaner (acid). I used to buy it locally great for cleaning tranny's and t-cases. It would fizz and turn the aluminum white.TIA

Chris:D

Sounds like Hydrofluoric acid. It's not very easy to find because it doesn't belong in the hands of the general public. There are a few aluminum wheel cleaners with small amounts of HF in them. I could send you a gallon, too bad your soo faraway.

You may want to try your local Zep branch:
3301 E. Woodpark Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina - 28206
704 596 7084

There HF product is called Zep-A-lume.
They will nail ya for 12.00-15.00/gallon and 50.00 min order.


read this as well:
http://wellness.ucdavis.edu/safety_info/poison_prevention/poison_book/household_cleaners.html#acid

we got this shit at work that is for cleaning the aluminum wheels....im not sure what kind of acid it is but it is strong as hell. if yo get it on your clothes it will eat them away. works like a charm though...

ZEP makes some stuff that gives the effect you speakof (cleaning and turning alum white)its almost like Purple Stuff the jug I got was from HomeDepotcalled degreaser also the acid they use to "shock"pools with does the same thing but its big tyme stinky!O yea the stuff from home depot will remove a couple layers of skin if you dont wear gloves!!!FYI

Originally posted by jstarnes
ZEP makes some stuff that gives the effect you speakof (cleaning and turning alum white)its almost like Purple Stuff the jug I got was from HomeDepotcalled degreaser also the acid they use to "shock"pools with does the same thing but its big tyme stinky!O yea the stuff from home depot will remove a couple layers of skin if you dont wear gloves!!!FYI

I worked for Zeps industrial divison for 10 years and the use of the "purple cleaner" on aluminum will turn it dark gray. The fizz you see is the reaction of the sodium hydroxide ( lye) (Caustic soda) in the cleaner on the alum. Simple bad advice!

Pool acid (HCL)(muriatic ) (hydrochloric) is not what you want to use! It's not metal safe and the fumes will get ya. More bad advice!

Nice post DAN!

Originally posted by Mo
We should flame stupidity, not (necessarily) newbies.

There are plenty of knowledgeable people who sign up daily. :cool:
There are also plenty of idiots who sign up daily. :(

Thanks for the good info OS.

Hey while we're on the subject...I have a question for ya that you may be able to answer.

I had a small parts washer with Safety Clean Solvent in it for a while.
The fumes we're nasty, and the word leukiemia kept popping up every time I looked for info on the solvent.
SO I sold the parts washer to a braver soul than I.

I was able to get a much larger parts washer for free from my company. It's a ZEP unit, and it used to have "dispersant" (one of the many wonderful petroleum distilates) in it along with some other stuff.
I was able to have the thing cleaned out, and brought it home.

I was looking into using the "Purple Stuff" type cleaners in it, but was wondering what you'd recommend.
Not sure how it would react to the pump, or seals, that are in it (sorry no info on that at the moment can get it if it matters)
I am mainly goign to use it to degrease steel parts, bearings etc...

Any suggestions on what to run it that wont kill me with fumes?

Thanks

MJ

Maine Jeepah


Solvent vs. Detergent. The parts washer you have needs a solvent not a detergent like the purple stuff. BTW Zep calls it Morado when it's in the industrial strength version or the watered down version sold a Home depot called Purple cleaner.

If it were in my shop I would call my local chemical supplier and ask for a drum or a few pails of 100% D-LIMONENE solvent

Here is some info on D-LIMONENE.

http://www.floridachemical.com/whatisd-limonene.htm

BTW most of the orange cleaners off the shelf have only 10 to 20% D-LIMONENE in them.

Dang Old Scout!

Thanks for the warning on the acid . I will call zep in Charlotte on mon. and buy some:D

http://www.brentonsafety.com/store/biomax.htm

I have this Biomax stuff in gallons form work.
Awesome stuff...don't know what it would do to a pump on a parts washer.
Is this similar what you were referring to O.S.?

EDIT: Answered my own question...http://www.biochemsys.com/msdsmax.html#ingredients
This stuff is liek 143 bucks for 5 gallons.
Seems a bit pricey.


Thanks for the good info.

MJ

Originally posted by Maine Jeepah
http://www.brentonsafety.com/store/biomax.htm

I have this Biomax stuff in gallons form work.
Awesome stuff...don't know what it would do to a pump on a parts washer.
Is this similar what you were referring to O.S.?

Thanks for the good info.

MJ

YEA but DAM those guys are rip off artists! They want over 28.00/gal I sell the same stuff for 14.00/gal!:eek: :eek:

If thats the case...do you sell to the general public?

PM me...I'm interested in that stuff at that price regardless of wether ort not I can use it in the parts washer.

Its great stuff.

MJ

I've used diesel fuel or kerosene in parts tank....works great and doesn't cost a whole lotta $$$$...just dump in oil recycle tank when too dirty

Originally posted by 1BDYJ
I've used diesel fuel or kerosene in parts tank....works great and doesn't cost a whole lotta $$$$...just dump in oil recycle tank when too dirty

Somehow I don't think having a parts washer full of diesel fuel, or kerosene in the vacinity of where I do all my cutting, and welding, as well as where I live, is such a good idea.(Kerosene does work well though :) )

I'm looking for soemthing that is relatively safe, and wont give me brain cancer or the like. ;)

MJ