Topic: Releasall - HELP

[memphis3724]

Hi.  I took my bike apart for a winter project.  I through the left case into a bucket of Releasall degreaser and felt safe as it is considered a mild degrease.  Directions never mention anything about maximum time something should soak for.  I left it there for a few days (ok maybe a week) and when I pulled it out I COULD NOT BELIEVE what it had done to the aluminum!  It looks like it started eating away at it. Anyone have any thoughts as to how I can get this back to its original state without casting a new one? I stated with an aluminum polisher and got fair results but a lot of elbow grease.

[merc2dogs]

 was it in a metal bucket?
 many times aluminum parts soaking in a metal bucket with something that's acidic will set up a current and dissolve the aluminum.
 creates a battery and the softer metal dissolves.

Ken
 
 

[memphis3724]

Hi Ken.  The bucket was plastic but I also had the chrome chain guard in with it.  Thankfully the chrome was fine.  Could this has caused the reaction you describe?

[Bodain]

Take some 100 grit sand paper.. Start sanding.

Now sand with 150 grit, then 220, 400, 600, 1000, 1500... Now you can see yourself in it like a mirror.

[memphis3724]

Hi Bodain.  Have you done this before?  When I get to the higher grades do I use water with it?  After sanding should I coat it with something to help retain the finish?

[cafe75-550]

I usually use water with anything 220 and higher. A little dish soap in the water will help keep the paper from clogging up and give a better finish IMO. Once you get up to 1500 or 2000 grit you can polish it with automotive scratch remover, then wax it like a car to keep the finish longer...

[memphis3724]

Thanks for the advice.

[merc2dogs]

 Yeah the chain gaurd could have been the other side of the 'battery'

 I agree, sand and polish. Iinstead of starting with 100 right off the bat, I'd try fine grit on the worst places to start and move down to see which one is needed, if 250 or 400 gets the surface knocked down well enough it saves the pain of sanding out the 100 grit marks.
 

Ken.

[kettlesd]

Is Releaseall acidic?? I tried to clean aluminum carb bowls with Muriatic acid once (ONCE!!!!!!!!! God, never again!!!!!) and it instantly turned it black just like that.

[memphis3724]

Hi kettlesd.  Releasall is not considered to be acidic.  It claims that its non-toxic, environment friendly but my favorite thing is that it doesn't stink.  I have my bike apart in small work area of my basement and I didn't want a chemical smell throughout the house so this was least smelling degreaser I found.  As for Bodain's suggestion to use sand paper... Wow, what great results.  Thanks again Bodain!

[memphis3724]

End result (still needs a coat of the car wax)... Better than original!

[heffay]

try some "mothers" before you put the final touches on that thing and use small circular motions to remove the long streaks.  it should get it back to that streakless shine you're used to.

excellent work on that though!  such a bummer to think you're doing well then pull it out of that stuff and see what had been done.  i don't envy your elbows!   

[memphis3724]

Thanks heffay.  I was not a happy camper for sure.  You suggesting the Mothers 'aluminum polish' (in small circular motions)?

[heffay]

yes i am... just something to get those streaks out.  i know that's prob'ly the last thing you want to hear is more elbow grease but, i'd be willing to bet you'd be happier in the long run.

a buffing wheel on the end of a drill works wonders too.