engine block cleaning/polishing

I am wondering what to do to polish my engine block and all my aluminum parts?

Depending on how clean and shiney you want it I believe the scientific term is "Bust a nut!". Fine sandpaper, a pot scrubber, nice assortment of stiff brushes, Mothers Aluminum Polish, rags and NeverDull. Then you will need 37.2 indentured servants, a case of Canadian Beer and a couple of days of free time.
The list of what you need is correct and it is NOT easy but your time a patience will be rewarded. There are no miracles. As for just cleaning... Aluminum Mag Cleaner works pretty good.

Locozuna wrote:

...a case of Canadian Beer...

Hey, that's supposed to be a secret! Just like Canadian carburetors...

A 7" grinder with 8" buffing wheel clamped in a vise and the appropriate polishing compounds will eliminate the indentured servants and a lot of elbow grease from the equation

You will get totally black from the aluminum though

I used mothers and a buffing wheel on everything I could take off.
One ride in the rain and the shine was gone.
Is there hope, What is this never dull you speak of?

Never-Dull Tis a can "o" wadding. Cotton bunting impregnated with a chemical. I find it takes the shine down a notch but aids longevity and makes it easier the next time you detail. It can be had at most hardware stores for narry a farthing! :blink: Methinks it makes metal look more natural than chrome. Personal opinion only!

I use a sponge to get the grit and grime off and then I apply Never Dull and buff with dremel and then wipe with a rag.

Never dull is non toxic and it really works great.

I have polished mine `4 ties this year or 1 month and I can shave in my covers. The more you do it the better it looks.

It all depends on what you are looking for.
I wet sanded mine and went down to 1500 grit if I remember right, all by hand. Then used Mothers.
I've tried Mothers, Never Dull, Flitz, Semi-Chrome, MAAS,and a host of others I can't remember here @ work.
Let's just say I have a shelf in the shop just for metal polish.
Mother's seems to bring the chrome like shine I like out the best.
I want to try a product I've heard a lot of good stuff about and seen in Eastwood's catalog, called Zoops.
Pat

after you polish it put 2-3 coats of thick wax on there to protect it.i hate to think of how many times ive spent days polishing aluminum parts on boats just to go out and have it all turn white after a dy on the water,its a sickness!:laugh:

This is a bit different but I decided to bead blast my removeable case covers and then spray 2 part Urethane clear coat right on it. It has a uniform silver anodized look but is shinny as glass and feels that way too. I don't see it coming off any time soon. It is a nice contrast to the black block and head.

I watched this & learned some things about polishing I didn't know. There's some goofy parts & he's working on a Triumph, but good info.

Anybody use Phosphorous acid?
I have a aluminum brightener for motorcycle engines and it is only that. I never used it since my concern it using it on an engine in a frame. Not sure how it will react to the paint if it hits the frame... and there was no mention of precautions on the bottle.