Looking for suggestions on cleaning a aluminum intake. It has black/ dark gray spots. I tried aluminum wheel cleaner, but it still does not look much better. Is re-skining the only solution? I do not want to bead it.

Try easy-off oven cleaner. It works well, but be careful as it actually eats the aluminum if you leave it on too long.

If you have access to a blast cabinet, blasting with silica beads works well, also.

I have the same problem with my Edelbrock aluminum intake. I've tried everything and nothing works. I'm actually going to have it powder coated so it looks like cast aluminum. From what I've seen, it the best way to go for appearance and durability.

Dan
'68 Convertible

maybe a pressure washer?

Whats wrong with a light bead blasting? If you keep the pressure down and take care, the results should be rewarding.

i had my edelbrock bead blasted,then all ihave to do is clean it with crc brakleen! dries fast dirt is gone! never had a problem!

Why not soak it/brush it with brake fluid? Then hot water/soap rinse?

Have you tried Eagle One etching mag wheel cleaner? It has some nasty acid in it that supposedly does a good job.....

i use baking soda for he soft parts in my portable
sand blaster and it works perfect,

I lightly bead blasted mine abd then took a nylon wheel in an electric drill to get a luster to the rough surface. It looks great. I also wire wheeled my M20 cases and polished it too with the nylon wheel.