Cleaning rusty parts

Post by **picky** » Mon May 29, 2006 6:51 pm

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I have been trying out electrolysis to derust steel parts, this was my first attempt. I read about it on a kit car forum, but I thought some people here might be interested, as I think it has worked quite well. The pictures are of the same washer, before and after 1 hour in a home made electrolysis tank. What do people think?

Tim

Post by **Packedup** » Mon May 29, 2006 7:15 pm

Was that done like this by any chance?

I've seen it mentioned before, and always wondered just how quick/ good it was for smaller bits (cause the chances of me making a tank big enough for a shell are limited!).

Looks like it's worth a try at some point

Post by **minor_hickup** » Mon May 29, 2006 8:04 pm

I've never heard of this for cleaning parts. I usually use a wire brush, which can be fiddle with small parts.

Post by **picky** » Mon May 29, 2006 8:09 pm

yup, similar to the article Packedup mentioned. its definately worth a try!! doing a whole shell may be difficult, but its really good for small parts. Ill post some hints and tips once ive done a few other bits and pieces.
Tim

Post by **Shawn** » Mon May 29, 2006 9:44 pm

I've used electrolysis on old tools and it worked really well. It did leave a black powdery residue (which wiped off) but might be hard to remove in tight spots.

Apparantly molasses works well too - leave the part in overnight and rinse well in the morning.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue May 30, 2006 7:31 am

Just use phosphoric acid (Jenolite/Kurust etc). The process above may 'clean' the part - but does nothing to stop it rusting again !

Post by **ian-s** » Tue May 30, 2006 12:38 pm

There are specialists who will clean a whole shell by this method as well as parts.. There was one at the Racing car show in february. Surface Processing on 01384 242010

Post by **newagetraveller** » Wed May 31, 2006 9:32 am

Changing your car from positive earth to negative earth reduces chassis rust by the same principle.

Post by **RogerRust** » Wed May 31, 2006 9:40 am

On a related subject. Contact breaker points used to be of equal size, but they now all have a smaller contact on the cam. I noticed when I changed to -ve earth that the pitting reversed and the larger contact has now started to pit. I suspect the 'new' points are better suited to -ve earth applications.