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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Dissolving aluminium off steel cylinder wall

I recently 'leaned out' my snowmobile, the top of the aluminium piston began pitting due to lack of fuel then the powdery substance began being smeared and heated to the cylinder wall by the ring leaving what appears to be deep gouging. What type of chemical would dissolve the aluminium against a steel cylinder? There is a chemical I just can't remember what it was. If anybody could help that would be greatly appreciated.

Jim Esposito
hobbyist - Ottawa ,Ont
February 15, 2008

Be careful as it will burn you and can certainly instantly blind you, but sodium hydroxide dissolves aluminum while having little effect on steel. Drain cleaner is the easiest availability.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 21, 2008

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