Cleaning off engine/fork oxidation?

[phate]

Hey guys I would like some of your help for my most recent problem of oxidation on most of the aluminum parts. I have tried steel wool but it barley removes the oxidation. I also tried one of those drill attached 3M Power Sanding Paint And Rust Stripper () it works very well but leaves behind scratch marks that I also cant get rid of. I am asking you guys if you know maybe of some readily available chemical remover or another 3m remover device that wont scratch. Thank you.

 

[Greasey Fingers]

Bench grinder with a wire wheel (for the forks) Check out how mine came up: http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7578&highlight=polished+fork+legs

 

[16VGTIDave]

Don't use steel wool on aluminium! It will embed into the aluminium and cause more corrosion. Use scotchbrite or something similar to remove the heavy corrosion and then fine grits of sand paper working your way up to 2000 grit wet. Then polish to a mirror finish if so desired.

You are in for a LOT of work if a mirror finish is desired...

Dave

 

[phate]

Thanks for the replies and I wish I would have known that steel wool thing earlier but live and learn. Greasy fingers those forks look awesome I will try that same thing. As for the engine I'm not really looking for a mirror finish I actually wanted something closer to a matte finish. So I guess I will just finish off with heavier grit sandpaper or will a drill wire wheel work on that too.

 

[Greasey Fingers]

If the engine is in peices, do as the wise drewpy would, just get it all vapour blasted