Cleaning Aluminum Case

How do I clean the outside of my manual transmission case? Its not a show car, but I would like it to look nice when everything goes back together. Since I intend to rebuild it while I have it out, should I do the cleaning now while its all together or later when it is in pieces or together again? Right now it has a darkish film where the grease and dirt isn't.

Well you have several options. I'm going to guess that your going to break it all the way down for a complete rebuild. If so I would remove all internals and take it to machine shop that has a power washing hot tank. This should do the trick.

I would suggest you have the case media blasted, but if you do make sure they use plastic and not sand. You will still want to have it power washed and hot tanked, but if any sand is used and its completely removed you might as well kiss the tranny goodbye. Thats why you would want them to use plastic or even walnut shells if by anychance something is missed the tranny will just chew it up.

But try and find a shop that can do the first option its the safest and will give great results.

Definitly find a tranny or engine shop to take it to. Tranny shops have heated liquid solvent machines specificly for this purpose. My washer cleans alum. cases to look new, and they always look better than the old car wash method!! Disassemble the unit completely, and take the main case,tailhousing, and shift (side) cover and have them "cook" it for at least 30 min. They will probably charge $ 15-25, maybe nothing. Ask around.Good luck with your project!!!

Great! Thanks, guys. Seems so logical when explained, but I was at a loss before. I'm on it now.