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Aluminum cleaner hazed up my polished engine

I have a custom motorcycle with a polished S&S; engine. One morning before taking the bike out I decided to clean it. I used one of those spray on cleaners,that you spray on and wait 39 seconds and hose off. I read the directions, it was specifically formulated for polished Aluminum, wheels, engine, etc. and safe for clear coats. Bike was cold, it was about 60 degrees out. I sprated the wheels,front end and engine, waited 30 or 40 seconds and hosed it off. When I was done there was a white milky dicoloration over all the parts. Washing didn't help. I used billet polish on all the parts, it took a few hours, but seemed to work. My question is: with the engine, having to clean between all the fins, etc. is there something I can use to make the job a bit easier,and why did this happen in the first place? Everyone I've asked doesn't seem to have a clue. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

Michael Aiello
hobbyist - Georgetown, Texas, USA
March 24, 2008

I always like to shake cleaner bottles well before using them. It could be the active ingredient settled to the bottom and you sprayed the "strong stuff" first. It could also be a bad batch of cleaner. I like Simple Green ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] with a nylon brush to reach those hard to get areas. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
April 1, 2008