What is the white discoloration on my Genesis 1300 firebox?

[BillSmith]

My firebox on my Genesis 1300 has white discoloration. I also see it on the Genesis Gold C that I got yesterday. What is this discoloration? Is it just paint that got burned off? Grease? I do plan to read through the various restoration threads to see what I can do to clean the outside of the firebox and paint it. I don't care so much about the inside.

 

[LMichaels]

When aluminum corrodes i.e. rust that is the effluence they give off. Just like steel turns orange/brown aluminum gives off white powdery substance. Just wire brush it off and paint.

 

[Chris in TX]

On the one I restored my lid and firebox were both that way.
Like Larry said, wire brush it off, paint it up and you are good to go!

 

[BillSmith]

Nice job. So I've seen people use cleaners/degreasers. You didn't do that for your grill?

 

[Chris in TX]

Mostly just an angle grinder and wire cup brush. That gets most of the stuff off.
Some guys are trying the Dawn power dissolver product (check out the Jr post that someone is showing and it looks to do a good job!)