timb2010 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) Just wondered how I can clean up the large metal (Aluminium?) air intake area on top of the engine? Mine appears to be covered in white rust or corrosion? Can it be polished up maybe? EDIT: Wow, just found this shiny one maybe I can polish it up!! http://www.autoimports.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG-20120821-01480.jpg Thanks in advance! Edited August 22, 2013 by timb2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leosille Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 talk to wasso its called a plenum i believe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted August 22, 2013 Author Share Posted August 22, 2013 Thanks Leosille, Does wasso know how to do it or actually polish them up at a cost? Ive googled the 350 US site and they say it takes between 20 and 30 man hours with grinders and polish etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Wire wool and elbow grease and then finish it with a good metal polish. That's how I did mine anyway..and it looks good think the one in the pic is chrome plated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Wasso can do it in 1hour flat, lol. Just have a go yourself, dont expect results fast tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hensh65 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 You can have it dip coated I believe, not sure if anyone has sprayed it themselves with high temp paint. I will be looking to do something with mine too in the near future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted August 22, 2013 Author Share Posted August 22, 2013 I think I have answered my own question: http://my350z.com/forum/engine-drivetrain-and-forced-induction-diy/482192-diy-how-to-polish-your-plenum-many-pics.html Reading that I really don't think I had the dedication or time to do this...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cs2000 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 It took me about an hour with some 50 grit sandpaper to remove most of that pitting effect. The plenum really needs to be removed and even with that off id guess it would be another 2-3 hrs of hand sanding to get it smooth and then however long you want to polish depending on the finish required. Seeing your plenum looking like mine, makes me wonder why Nissan didn't paint or polish it from the factory seeing as they've dressed up the front of the engine with that cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted August 22, 2013 Author Share Posted August 22, 2013 Thanks guys, maybe if I purchase a spare one so I can still run the car, I could to 20min a night or so.... (Works out to 90days!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
14N Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Just paint it Tim. I did mine and it freshened it up nicely. I looked like yours before I did. Easy enough to remove Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 I think I have answered my own question: http://my350z.com/fo...-many-pics.html Reading that I really don't think I had the dedication or time to do this...... I did mine in about a few hours, but its not a shiny as that, but it look nice and clean . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
14N Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Here's Wasso's thread: http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/57507-plenum-polishing-service-with-finished-pics/page__hl__plenum (He's local too Tim) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 That top pic isn't chromed it is polished. I can still see areas which as I know are hard to reach and polish effectively. I'm a bit stacked at the mo for polishing. I've got two I'm working on now. To do the plenum properly you need 20+ hours. Anything less than that is half a job. Personaly metal polish such as Megs or Autosol are naff for this process. They actually cloud the finish. Here's the last one I finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Oh and the effect seen on the original plenum is called Oxidisation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 That top pic isn't chromed it is polished. I can still see areas which as I know are hard to reach and polish effectively. I'm a bit stacked at the mo for polishing. I've got two I'm working on now. To do the plenum properly you need 20+ hours. Anything less than that is half a job. Personaly metal polish such as Megs or Autosol are naff for this process. They actually cloud the finish. Here's the last one I finished. Is there any coating to keep it looking like that when been used on the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 I've searched high and low to find the best solution. From lacquer, to oven cleaner, to wax. So currently the "BEST" current process is to wax the plenum. Sounds as though it's not gonna work..... For best results use a Carnauba based hard wax. Apply on the plenum, leave to set as you would the car paint. Remove, then re-apply 24 hours later and remove. The coating will keep the plenum looking slick and clean for longer. It will need to be topped up with Wax probably every couple of months. Cleaning is as simple as speed detailer. NEVER Wax or Speed Detail whilst the plenum is hot or warm. It needs to be cold. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted August 22, 2013 Author Share Posted August 22, 2013 Where are you Wasso mate? I think I will have a little go on a square inch and see how it goes. Do I need to buy a grinder or similar? If so I will leave it to the pros!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaydnH Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 I've searched high and low to find the best solution. From lacquer, to oven cleaner, to wax. So currently the "BEST" current process is to wax the plenum. Sounds as though it's not gonna work..... For best results use a Carnauba based hard wax. Apply on the plenum, leave to set as you would the car paint. Remove, then re-apply 24 hours later and remove. The coating will keep the plenum looking slick and clean for longer. It will need to be topped up with Wax probably every couple of months. Cleaning is as simple as speed detailer. NEVER Wax or Speed Detail whilst the plenum is hot or warm. It needs to be cold. What about that poorboys wheel sealant stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetpilot Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) I've searched high and low to find the best solution. From lacquer, to oven cleaner, to wax. So currently the "BEST" current process is to wax the plenum. Sounds as though it's not gonna work..... For best results use a Carnauba based hard wax. Apply on the plenum, leave to set as you would the car paint. Remove, then re-apply 24 hours later and remove. The coating will keep the plenum looking slick and clean for longer. It will need to be topped up with Wax probably every couple of months. Cleaning is as simple as speed detailer. NEVER Wax or Speed Detail whilst the plenum is hot or warm. It needs to be cold. What about that poorboys wheel sealant stuff? Awesome stuff!!!! About the only thing i have found that can keep my polished wheel lips looking shiny Edited August 22, 2013 by Jetpilot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r37 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/finishkare-1000p-hi-temp-sealant/prod_589.html the above would be best. People have used it on gloss black BBQ lids and it hasnt melted. Is very surable and nice and shiny too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Where are you Wasso mate? I think I will have a little go on a square inch and see how it goes. Do I need to buy a grinder or similar? If so I will leave it to the pros!!!!!! I'm here...... Birmingham and Chiswick It's process requiring wet and dry, a drill or dremel but for me I also use a bench polisher, which is how I get the best results. Haydn, that's probably a fair idea. Worth a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madmarky Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 You could always get it powder coated like mine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 http://www.cleanyour...t/prod_589.html the above would be best. People have used it on gloss black BBQ lids and it hasnt melted. Is very surable and nice and shiny too. I swear by this stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 You could always get it powder coated like mine. Ditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianphampton Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 (edited) I found that the polished aluminium lost it's shine after being on the engine for a few months - and as I'm essentially idle, having to polish it every 3 months sort of lost it's charm, so I had mine chrome plated, and now all it needs it a light dusting! Of course, chrome plating costs about £50 but it saves on polish! Edited August 22, 2013 by ianphampton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.