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Mine (and im sure many others) has \"stains\" on it. Im not too sure what causes it but im putting it down to weathering and chemicals from over the years.

Is there any way of removing the stains? Ive tried degreaser and scrubbing but it just looks the same but cleaner.

(i don't want to polish or paint it)

Jimmy

sandblasting?

steam cleaning.
a lot of car wash places can do it.

jimmyj5 there was a recent post about polishing and Okibi seems to be the champ. If degreaser will not move it I would try some of the usual -meths, turps, prepsol. If these do not work maybe some gentle rubbing with a fine steel wool may improve the appearance.Polishing with tube and cloth also is a chance. If all that fails I think you might be stuck with it since going down the full polishing route is not on your agenda.

What about talking to an engine builder about getting it high pressure and/or ultrasonic cleaned?

I've never done anything like it but i'm sure a few here have built engines.

Carpet cleaner worked on mine to get the dirt off, not sure how it would go getting oil stains off though. The foaming action and a bit of scrubbing with a brush sucked the dirt out of the poors in the alloy. Regular soap and degreaser wouldn't clean it.

The Yanks rave about Simple Green and it's now available here at Bunnings, but it's very potent and should be watered down a bit when used on alloy. One of my mates has discovered it and raves about it.

Hrmz I feel like throwing it into the dishwasher...

solvol?! works well on hands, may work on cover. if you've got the liquid stuff make sure its lemon scented. Clean and smelling nice all at once

hrmm, CLR?

according to the late nite infomercials years ago they worked brilliant on lotsa stuff. apparently.

Garry's comment about Simple Green is interesting. Quoting from 2nd ed 1995 Ultimate Auto Detailing it said about wheels '...likes Simple Green because it does not hurt metal. Before using SG he had problems with cleaners corroding aluminium engine parts\". I have tried it and my understanding is that it is a \"green \" product and one that treads lightly.
If degreaser will not move it or the solvents mentioned I cannot see any soap product having any hope- the material causing the stain has probably permeated the surface and some die castings are porous.

I cannot resist another product from the Auto detailing book and aimed and familiar to the yanks. The author refers to SOS pads consistently thru the book. So I ask people what are SOS pads- the supermarket does not know. It means \"Save or Saucepans\" famous in USA and these are wire wool pads impregnated with soap. Try that Jimmy- its good for the saucepans as well!!

Just don't go using the same pads on both items...

\"Honey... why's the roast taste like cam cover?\"

Garrys comments on simple green seem to conflict with yours Mr Morlock...
Garry says : it's very potent and should be watered down a bit when used on alloy

saw what might be the perfect cleaner at Bunnings

Wonder if it works just as well on NBs as well

I'm only pasing on stories from the internet re Simple Green. I've never used it before. But when my mate cleaned his alloy engine with it he watered it down a bit first and he was very happy with the results. He said it made the alloy come up like new.