How to remove melted piston from turbo housing

[jacklegjim]

I bought a 3LJ 319 turbo that was on a enging that melted a piston.
I have it apart and it just needs a rebuild but, there is melted piston in the exhaust
housing. I have got the melted aluminum off where I can get to it but, I can't get to all of it.
Any ideas on how to get it out? I was thinking soaking it in acid but,I am not sure if that
Would do it or not.
Jim

 

[Jeepsinker]

Soaking it in a hot parkerizing bath would do it. You could try an ultrasonic cleaning vat, that may separate the aluminum from the iron.

 

[machinist75]

Muriatic acid melts aluminum. We use it at work when someone sinks a steel collet down in aluminum, eats it right off and dosnt harm the steel. Maybe you can soak it in that.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Yeah that'll work too, and you can get it at most hardware stores, but you have to watch it because it will eat the steel if you leave it too long.

 

[jacklegjim]

I have read about using acid to disolve aluminum
somewhere but, I could not remember why I read that.
I will give it try this weekend
Thanks

 

[VPed]

Use caustic soda to remove only the aluminum without harming the iron. Sodium hydroxide is what you need. The granular Drano is sodium hydroxide crystals and is readily available at most hardware stores. It is really good at degreasing stuff too, just not off of aluminum parts. Another source of caustic is the old school Easy Off oven cleaner. Not the newer "no smell" "safe for aluminum" stuff but the original stuff that has all kinds of warnings about using gloves and not getting any on your skin. That goes for the Drano too, don't get it on your skin, in your eyes, etc.