There is a discussion going on at TRNi, the transmission forum, about aluminum cases turning dark gray. Dave Drenth, formerly of Stelco, currently of Omega Machine & Tool has this advise.
Some of you are experiencing case discoloration in your jet washers. This is a problem with soap. Hot tanks used a caustic (lye) solution for years, so many soap compounds have some caustic. Unfortunately caustics turn aluminum dark gray. This is not good for aluminum. Given enough time, caustics will dissolve aluminum alloys. Heat accelerates the process.
Soap compounds that are aluminum safe have no caustics in them. The soap is high in alkalinity (about 12 where 7 is neutral and lees than 7 is acidic) and must have no foaming characteristics.
Many people use too much soap. Soap will get to a saturation point, and then start to precipitate out of solution. If you see residue building up on the walls of your machine, you may be using too much soap. A # 2 coffee can is about 5lbs of soap, and will charge a tank of 100 gallons.
Don't know what your machine holds? Measure your tank length, width, and height. Multiply L X W x H and divide by 231. The answer is number of gallons
BTW TRNi has a members only area and that is where this discussion is going on. There is a free area, but you have to subscribe to get into the members area. It is the best money you will spend if you're a transmission tech. Well, next to the money you spend with us. : )
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