need help with stains

[Timwag2001]

i cant figure out how to get this stain out of my father in laws saddle tank. he said it should just be antifreeze.

i've used strikeforce, a degreaser, and i have an acid (phosphoric and sulfuric blend for polished aluminum). it doesnt budge. i've had these tanks looking spotless, then one day the stain was there. what do you think? do i need hf?

 

[Timwag2001]

anyone???

 

[Christopher]

Since that tank does not have a mirror shine, the mirror polish is long gone so I would use a stronger acid and depending on what the stain really is, you might need several applications and rinsing.

I am sure you know that the polish is gone and the chemicals will not bring the polish back, just elbow grease and buffing. The aluminum brightener (acid) will make the tank look better than it does now but you need to make sure you buy a good brand from a reputable vendor, like Russ J., Brad Jarman, or Paul K. Most of the stuff out there is very, very weak and watered-down compared to the contractor grade chemicals.

The Above are some examples of cleaning aluminum tanks on commercial trucks, the before is with the box raised as we wash and degrease the bottom of the trucks, engine, transmission, frame rails, etc.....

 

[Timwag2001]

awesome!, thanks chris. i had a feeling that the acid i was using wasnt doing the job but didnt want to spend any extra money on my father in law that i didnt have too.

 

[Christopher]

No problem.

The aluminum brighteners that are safe for polished aluminum are not aggresive for most cleaning but they will protect the finish on the trucks that have polished or highly polished aluminum.

When the polish is gone, a good, stronger brightener is a good idea for regular cleaning.

If you have the aluminum polished again, you will need to use the polish safe brightener or you will remove the polish with just 1 application of the regular brightener.

 

[Johnson]

Nice job Chris. The ole cleaning of the frames and rails on front loaders.....not a big fan of it lol.

Do yours get the same orange /gold stain on the front of the cabs that ours do?

 

[Christopher]

No Chad, these are the residential automated side loaders that have lots of the grease from the loading arm packing on the side of the truck that needs to be removed regularly.

These are only washed every 10 weeks or longer, there are always delays in washing them unfortunately and we have a contract that is ending next month, we have been washing these for 3 years now and just got the new contract which can be extended 2 more times at 1 year each.

Not really a bad rust issue on these, just the regular lovely stuff with the lovely aroma. hahahahahaaha