Go Back   Rotary Car Club > Tech Discussion > RX-7 1st Gen Specific (1979-85)

RX-7 1st Gen Specific (1979-85) RX-7 1979-85 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-22-2008, 10:50 PM   #1
one320fc
one Apex @ a time
 
one320fc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Culpeper VA
Posts: 272
Rep Power: 18
one320fc is on a distinguished road
cleaning engine bay

any one have tips on cleaning the manifolds? I have some light oxidation on the gsl-se and wanted to clean it up a bit for the car show at DGRR !!! I will post up some pictures later on today.
one320fc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 12:17 AM   #2
jtbshaw
ORD - Old Rotary Dude
 
jtbshaw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Pelham, AL
Posts: 319
Rep Power: 18
jtbshaw is on a distinguished road
Kinda depends on what types of tools you have. If you don't have a bunch to choose from, a cordless drill with a wire brush on the end will clean it up nicely. Probably want to use a brass brush since it is a softer metal. Don't forget the safety glasses as shards of the brush will come flying off.

If you have a compressor and an angle grinder, I'd suggest a mandrel with a 3m scotch brite pad. This would make quick work of it.

Hope that helps.
jtbshaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 08:19 PM   #3
WE3RX7
RCC Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: VA
Posts: 1,812
Rep Power: 19
WE3RX7 is on a distinguished road
I know you probably want to leave the manifold on - for a quickie job, try the aluminum polish they sell in the small cans at autozone -

Rub hard until it turns black and then wipe the black residue clean...
WE3RX7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2008, 07:08 PM   #4
Kentetsu
RCC Contributor
 
Kentetsu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18
Kentetsu is on a distinguished road
I just picked up a couple of small wire brushes for the dremel for $3 each. Doing everything that is aluminum on the engine. The brushes cut right through it and shine it up almost like chrome in a matter of seconds. Nothing to it...
Kentetsu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2008, 09:31 AM   #5
WE3RX7
RCC Addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: VA
Posts: 1,812
Rep Power: 19
WE3RX7 is on a distinguished road
^ But it'll oxidize really quick if you do that, just an FYI - I did that years ago.

I used to polish a lot of parts by hand and its hard to keep them looking good. Sanding with a dremel and 100 grit paper and then again with 600-800 makes a nice surface, than hit it with some jewelers polish and you're set.

We ended up just powdercoating most parts though since it lasts longer w/ less maintenance. I'll have to do a write-up at some point w/ pics from my previous parts.
WE3RX7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2008, 08:44 PM   #6
Kentetsu
RCC Contributor
 
Kentetsu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18
Kentetsu is on a distinguished road
I wonder if there's a way to preserve the finish once its been polished? I thought about a good coat of wax, but figured it would just cook off. Is there a type of clearcoat that would withstand the temps, and be able to bond directly to metal? Gotta be some way to keep the bling dammit!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Sterling carb and jet removal X020.jpg (184.8 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg Sterling carb and jet removal X021.jpg (108.3 KB, 11 views)
__________________
"Learn from the past, or it will become your future...."

'85 GS 12a + LSD/Sterling carb/Respeed coilovers/Respeed front swaybar/Respeed adj. rear spring perches/Illuminas/Bilsteins on rear

AutoX vids @ http://www.youtube.com/user/Kentetsu1
Kentetsu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2008, 08:21 PM   #7
rx7carl
Rotary Fan in Training
 
rx7carl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, Fl
Posts: 59
Rep Power: 18
rx7carl is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by WE3RX7 View Post
I know you probably want to leave the manifold on - for a quickie job, try the aluminum polish they sell in the small cans at autozone -

Rub hard until it turns black and then wipe the black residue clean...
Yea mothers mag polish or eagle one. They leave a waxy coating that preserves the shine for a bit.
__________________
www.pbandjracing.com
rx7carl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2008, 03:22 PM   #8
Kentetsu
RCC Contributor
 
Kentetsu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 530
Rep Power: 18
Kentetsu is on a distinguished road
Thanks for the tip Carl, I'll give that a shot and see if it helps. After polishing, the aluminum does develop a dark/dull color after only a day or so.

I'm installing a 2nd gen water pump housing this weekend. I was amazed at the weight difference! That 1st gen housing weighs a ton! I also got a new 1st gen water pump, which looks like it will fit on the new housing, and it is also aluminum (which is cool, and a lot lighter than the original).
Kentetsu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 01:53 PM   #9
$100T2
Big Daddy
 
$100T2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 419
Rep Power: 18
$100T2 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kentetsu View Post
I wonder if there's a way to preserve the finish once its been polished? I thought about a good coat of wax, but figured it would just cook off. Is there a type of clearcoat that would withstand the temps, and be able to bond directly to metal? Gotta be some way to keep the bling dammit!
POR-15 makes a clear version of their stuff. You can hit it with a hammer and it won't come off. Doesn't get any better than that.

http://www.por15.com/
__________________
Hell hath no fury like a rotor blown.
$100T2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Hosted by www.GotPlacement.com