cleaning greasy oxided aluminum transmission

Gene

If you use the eng degreaser, you should rewash with a water based degreaser like purple power or simple green if you plan to paint. The kerosene film left by the walmart stuff can interfear with paint adhesion. I have had purple power bleach and discolor paint, so i only use it on old finishes for final cleaning before sanding. No problem with simple green. That cleaned tranny would look good with a coat of urethane clear IMOP. The white oxidation on aluminum actually protects it from further deterioration. Unlike ordinary steel once alum. is coated with the white oxidiation it stops oxidating, but it is unattractive. Now i hear there is a steel used on power poles that has the same properties. I was wondering why they went from galvanized towers to these ugly unpainted rusty poles for the high tension wires.