Hi,
I'm looking for any tips on polishing this alloy. I've seen these parts powder-coated, but not polished. Is it possible? Whaat equipment and pastes?
Thanks in anticipation...

[Edited on 24/4/2005 by modulus]

Well, I've got the polishing rags out (metaphorically, at least)... so where do I start?

You need a polish suitable for aluminium or alloy as it's usually called. As it's a cast piece you will need to sand it first to get rid of all the surface imperfections.

Are you planning to pull it out? If not, I think trying to polish that by hand will take about a week! To do it properly, pull it out and use a bench polishing wheel. To do it in place you'll need a buff on a drill.

If you are going to do this its better to pull the motor or go and get a spare housing and polish until you do. When I did my last rebuild I did inside and out using fine emery paper /dowels and eventually autosol, looked so good I hung it on the wall. looks like a giant alien skull. anyhow you'll be glad you did. Its reassuring knowing the air you have blowing in your face is running over clean alloy and not to much oil and crud. but be warned this mag stains and corrodes if a long luster is what youre after maybe crome? or a satin anodies.

Yep, as barenyisbeetle said, this is magnesium base (not aluminium) like the old beetle engine cases, so once polished it will need clear coating or something to protect it. It will stain and corrode before your eyes.
It will also react to some cleaners/polishes so try it on a hidden cornet first.

I like most opted to paint/powder coat. The enamal on mine seems to be lasting. I painted inside and out to try and stop crud building up inside as well.

Polishing will require lotsa elbow grease!!

Thanks to all for the advice.

Andy, how about a photo?

Will have to get one from home, so post later dude!