A.R.C. Cleaner

A.R.C. Cleaner (Aluminum Radiator & Components Cleaner) is an industrial-strength acid cleaner for dip-tank cleaning of aluminum parts. A blend of inhibited inorganic acids removes oxidation, corrosion products, and deposits while protecting the base metal — leaving aluminum bright with a satin finish.

Key benefits

• Removes oxides to brighten metal and rinses easily, leaving no white film.
• Restores heat-exchange efficiency. Cleaning A/C condensers with an acid cleaner once a year can improve efficiency 10–25%, depending on corrosion.
• Non-foaming formula for dip-tank use — a thin surface foam is desirable, as it reduces escaping fumes.
• Broad-range acid blend cleans a wider variety of deposits than single-acid products.
• Inhibited to prevent excessive base-metal removal.

Directions

Typically used in a plastic or fiberglass dip tank (never metal) at 1:5 dilution with water. Pre-clean greasy parts with SF-77 degreaser and a pressure washer or steam cleaner, then rinse. The K-1547 Acid Test Kit verifies strength — a correct 1:5 dilution reads seven drops. Dip parts 3–5 minutes depending on corrosion and temperature (it works twice as fast at 90°F as at 50°F). Rinse immediately to prevent a white film from re-depositing. May be heated up to 120°F to speed cleaning, but no higher, to avoid driving off hydrogen-fluoride fumes.

Cautions & metal removal

Because it’s an acid, A.R.C. removes a small amount of metal by etching, so it shouldn’t be used on very close-tolerance machined parts. A five-minute dip removes about 0.67% of a typical 15-mil radiator-tube wall; longer dips remove more. It will etch glass, remove anodizing, and attack various metals differently — test first. Plastic, rubber, and most paints are unaffected. Keep grease and oil out of the tank, as they rapidly deplete the solution. For components too large to dip, spray on with care; for foaming spray applications use Damon’s Aluminum Cleaner or Coil Cleaner instead.

Packaging

Four one-gallon plastic jugs per case, 5-gallon plastic pails, and 15-gallon plastic drums.