Dissolving aluminum

[Bryan]

A bit off topic but I understand there is a way of dissolving the aluminum fins off a a/c heat echanger without damaging the copper tubing. Any idea what to use. I seem to recall using sodium hydroxide, but at what strength, and how to do it.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm not familiar with the exact conditions, but I do believe that high pH will dissolve aluminum and probably not copper. Some lye disolved in water should work. The stronger it is, the faster the aluminum will dissolve.

[Bryan]

Thanks Randy. I think I found a cleaner solution. A pair of pliers..

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:lol:

Good luck!