How to clean magnesium trans cases.
 

Hey all,

I just picked up 3 new-to-me 914 gearboxes and want to clean them up for sale. What do I use to clean magnesium? If they were aluminum cases I'd have been done before the 'ink was dry'.

Thanks in advance.

Oh, and can they be painted? If so, what type of primer and such should I use.

I'm keeping one for myself and selling off the other two.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Hi,

You can clean them but be prepared for a messy job!
First of all you need a power washer.
Carb cleaner, oven cleaner and small wire brushes.

Apply oven cleaner let it sit for about an hour or so and wash off with water.
Carb cleaner is very HARMFUL use protective gloves and use only in WELL VENTILATED AREA with a little hard brush do the stubborn areas.
Wash again and see repeat one oven cleaner and one carb cleaner step until it comes clean.Magnesium is not as bright as aluminium so don't expect to get shinny.
You can paint it easily using some cans of Eastwood colors special made for magnesium.

Good luck