aluminium oxidation

[OCSL]

I live near the beach so salt water in the air is a problem,recently I notice a white powdery residue around engine block and other aluminium parts.I can brush some off with my fingers ,but see that some parts are pitted and stained.anyway I can safely remove oxidation and also stop it from returning

[Stretch]

Hi OCSL I see you haven't been with us for long - so welcome to the forum.

The best thing you can do is to clean the aluminum as best you can. There are several commercial sprays available... but brake cleaner will do it... along with hand cleansing products such as swarfega and water.

If you want to protect it you could try a clear coat high temperature spray. It will dull the surface a bit but as long as you have applied it to a grease free / oil free surface it shouldn't flake off. There are other clear coat - make it look like it is new - products available. They don't all have to be used by dodgy dealers on ebay selling "original low mileage" cars

[Dearlove]

to actually remove the corrosion you have the remove all evidence of it. use a die grinder if you can get access. Don't know how you'd go on an engine. usually clean it with alumi prep (acid) but i wouldnt do it in your situation and as said above, you've got to seal it with something (paint)

this has happened because the salt has been there for a long time, clean your bloody car!!

also oxidisation on aluminium is its own natural protection, is fine for pure ali, but corrosion isnt, which is what you have on an alloyed metal

[Dee8go]

Mother's makes some pretty good metal polish that I've used on engine parts. I've tried all sorts of compounds, but their metal polish was the most effective.