Electrolytic Rust Removal
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 165
Likes: 31
From: Alberta
Electrolytic Rust Removal
I have a 76 shovelhead 1200. Sat around for 40 years, apart.
I want to try a rust cleanup using electrolysis.
Has anybody got experience? I heard you can not put aluminum, cast, stainless or brass into the tank.
Is this true? Has anybody got stories?
System uses washing soda, sacrificial iron, and a battery charger.
I want to try a rust cleanup using electrolysis.
Has anybody got experience? I heard you can not put aluminum, cast, stainless or brass into the tank.
Is this true? Has anybody got stories?
System uses washing soda, sacrificial iron, and a battery charger.
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 390
Likes: 266
From: Waterloo Ontario
Not sacrificial- the rods only attract the crap. You need to clean them every once in a while. Not quick but kind of neat to watch. I did it years ago when restoring a. Model A. I am pretty sure I cleaned aluminum also. I used TSP and water and an old battery charger. I don’t know if the new electronic smart chargers would work as they may not understand the load. It really is amazing how it takes the rust off. I will see if I have any old pictures as I was pretty proud of the way it worked.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,499
Likes: 7,800
From: Long Island, New York
White vinegar is very effective with time. Most anything will be cleaned up after 24 hours in vinegar, and it is cheap to buy. I have used it for parts and to clean out the inside of gas tanks. Worth a shot.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 165
Likes: 31
From: Alberta
Not sacrificial- the rods only attract the crap. You need to clean them every once in a while. Not quick but kind of neat to watch. I did it years ago when restoring a. Model A. I am pretty sure I cleaned aluminum also. I used TSP and water and an old battery charger. I dont know if the new electronic smart chargers would work as they may not understand the load. It really is amazing how it takes the rust off. I will see if I have any old pictures as I was pretty proud of the way it worked.
I have a model T too. The truck that Brad Pitt used to make a moonshine delivery in Legends of the Fall. He was riding in the box.
They called it the 'star shuttle' while shooting the film. When the fields around Longview Alberta turned to heavy mud after lots of rains, none of the new modern 'tough' trucks would make it across the fields to the movie set. The 1923 T came through delivering the stars safely and timely. So my old 'Whoopee Truck', as she is known by the olden fellow who had 'er for so long before I ever did, outworked all those big boys with the Sam Elliot voices.
Hopkins, Pitt, and many others had their backsides in the old work truck. Claim to fame... and now I don' t have to feel guilty that I won't get her in show floor shape. I like 'authentic' anyway. I'm glad patina, and so called 'rats' are vogue now.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 165
Likes: 31
From: Alberta
I think you can use vinegar in electrolysis too... not absolutely sure but like you say, it will work in time. I'm jyst looking for the fastest way with the least clean up afterwards. It'll be fun to watch it fizz too.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 165
Likes: 31
From: Alberta
I am going to use a taller size rubbermade tub so I can fit bigger stuff in it. I have some scrap 1" x 1/8" angle iron that I can bolt or tack into a shape that will frame the inside of the tub, and surround the work piece. I heard it's better to have the anode action all around the workpiece rather than jyst one or two sides. I will send some pics of the setup.
I have a 15 Amp setting on the charger that should work good but will try the 30A and 40A settings too.
If the process is safe for rods and pistons (bushings to be replaced anyway) I would like to set
the whole flywheel assembly in the tank and do it all at once; take it apart after.
We'll see.
Anybody else know about the electrochemical metallurgical limitations😃 on what can safely go in the tank?
I have a 15 Amp setting on the charger that should work good but will try the 30A and 40A settings too.
If the process is safe for rods and pistons (bushings to be replaced anyway) I would like to set
the whole flywheel assembly in the tank and do it all at once; take it apart after.
We'll see.
Anybody else know about the electrochemical metallurgical limitations😃 on what can safely go in the tank?
Last edited by tinkering; Dec 10, 2021 at 10:55 AM.
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From: Carlsbad, CA
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Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 390
Likes: 266
From: Waterloo Ontario
I had a 45 gallon plastic barrel and cut it almost in half . I put the 4 anode rods at the side and wired them together and hooked up a 20 amp charger. I could watch the flow of paint and rust .