Re: cleaning aluminum intakes
 

Charlie:
Don't send me anything - I have enough trouble getting my own stuff done!

I don't have a good source for the acids. Believe it or not, I had a bunch of that stuff that was in a building I bought years ago. It is nasty, nasty stuff though, as others have said. Noxious fumes and all.

I also have a drum of stuff (techno speak for I don't know what it is) that I bought at an alum foundry auction. It was presumably used for cleaning freshly cast parts and has some detergent-type properties and may be mildy acidic (the tip - it's in a plastic drum). It will brighten aluminum a little, too.

As for storage and disposal, call the EPA and OSHA and invite them over to see your chemical collection. I'm sure they'll want to see your checkbook, too. Really, the acids don't lend themselves to non-industrial use. I'd follow the advice of a post above and find someone who will dip it for you.

I know many have procedures they like and are happy with. More power to you.

Dave

Re: cleaning aluminum intakes
 

For years I've been cleaning aluminum intakes and transmissions with scotchbrite and bathroom tub and tile cleaners that contain weak phosphoric acid. I think aluma-prep does too. Just did a net search on phosphoric/nitric dip and came up with information on "electropolishing". Do the search on electropolishing, then call someone in your area that does anodizing. They may have some of the answers you're looking for.