Cleaning Magnesium, What is the best way? Options

[ctc911ctc]

Hi,

I have been at it for a few weeks, using GUNK, Brake Cleaner, Electronic cleaners, scrubbing with drill driven scrubbing attachments, Dawn and then assorted other potions.

I am left with a dull stained magnesium. I know that Vapor Blast is the best way, however, I cannot lug the engine to the Blaster outfit,

Has anything worked well for you?

Thank you Teeners!

[mepstein]

What's your goal? No matter how clean and shiny you make mag, it's going to go grey. It's a very reactive metal so it won't stay shiny for long.

[ctc911ctc]

What's your goal? No matter how clean and shiny you make mag, it's going to go grey. It's a very reactive metal so it won't stay shiny for long.

Good guidance, thank you - I will post some pics, my goal is to get it more uniformed, it is stained in a variety of places within white/gray as well as darker stains that may be oil, etc.

More to come

[mepstein]

Here’s a mag trans that I’m rebuilding for myself. It looked pretty rough until I vapor blasted it (glass bead and water under pressure). It looks like aluminum until I drop it in the ultrasonic and then it turns back to grey. But I have a feeling you’re talking about a complete engine, not individual parts. Dry ice blasting might do it but the downside is when it blows a lot of debris into the nooks and crannies of the car. There’s not a lot engine showing in a 914 so maybe live with the discoloration until it’s time to overhaul the engine one day.

[mgphoto]

Aren’t our engines aluminum?

[mepstein]

Aren’t our engines aluminum?

I thought he was referring to a 914-6 engine but I’m just assuming…, yes, the fours are aluminum.

[914sgofast2]

The Type 4 engines in our typical 914's are all aluminum cases, with aluminum heads and cast iron cylinders. The transmissions are magnesium cases. The 914-6 has a Porsche 911 engine with aluminum heads, cast iron cylinders, and a magnesium engine case.

For a very detailed description of how to thoroughly clean a Type 4 engine case at home without any type of blasting, go to the Samba.com website and search in the VW Type 411/412 Forum for the thread on doing a 1.8 liter engine's "cheap, junk rebuild". The same info can be found on the ShopTalkForum.com website for Type 4 engines by searching for the "Cheap, Junk Rebuild" of a 1.8 liter engine by the same author.

[wonkipop]

Aren’t our engines aluminum?

I thought he was referring to a 914-6 engine but I’m just assuming…, yes, the fours are aluminum.

except for the fan shroud casting. i believe that is magnesium alloy.
its the one bit that is in fact very visible.

[mepstein]

Aren’t our engines aluminum?

I thought he was referring to a 914-6 engine but I’m just assuming…, yes, the fours are aluminum.

except for the fan shroud casting. i believe that is magnesium alloy.
its the one bit that is in fact very visible.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[bkrantz]

Aren’t our engines aluminum?

I thought he was referring to a 914-6 engine but I’m just assuming…, yes, the fours are aluminum.

except for the fan shroud casting. i believe that is magnesium alloy.
its the one bit that is in fact very visible.

Yup. After blasting mine I painted with clear epoxy.

[bkrantz]

Here's a photo from a year and a half later, after one (short) season on the road. The housing is a little darker but still looks silver.

[wonkipop]

Here's a photo from a year and a half later, after one (short) season on the road. The housing is a little darker but still looks silver.

neat.

much better than painting it silver like a lot of folks do.
really hits the mark appearance wise. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[ctc911ctc]

Here are some pics,

I cannot have it hydro blasted - pecan shells are not working, soft wire brushes seem to do the trick..


Engine condition prior to brushing



After Brushing



Cam Chain Box Prior



Cam Chain Box After





I will be brushing the fins and other smaller parts - trying not to MAR the parts but I believe that ship sailed

More to come