Author Topic: Electrolysis Rust Removal  (Read 94 times)

Moogie38 (Noel)

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Electrolysis Rust Removal
« on: 20 Jan 23, 08:08 pm »
As most of our karts are made from bits and pieces we have lying about, sometimes it requires rust being removed from steel to get a better finish .
Electrolysis is simply removing rust from steel using electricity.
This is what I use.
Materials required.
Bucket or any plastic tub depending on the size of part you are cleaning.

Electrolytes simply put, soda crystals and water.

Scrap metal plates, rods, etc. To go around the edge of the bucket.  The rust is attracted to these.

Battery Charger The older the better. Newer ones have electronics and can be a bit funny when using them for this purpose.

I use about 1/2 a cup of soda crystals to 2 gallons of water.
The scrap metal around the edge is connected to the positive side of the charger.  The peice to be cleaned connected to the negative.
I normally run the charger at 12v 2amp. My friend has used it at 16amp which cleans very quickly but I wouldn't walk away and leave it on its own.
Cleaning time can be from hours to day depending on the amount of rust and the size if the part.
When the electricity is turned on you will see a current forming in the bucket and small bubbles coming from the metal.
I find it a very good process if what you are cleaning is a delicate peice as it is a gentle process.
Hope this all makes sense,
Noel.
« Last Edit: 20 Jan 23, 08:14 pm by Moogie38 (Noel) »
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Moogie38 (Noel)

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #1 on: 20 Jan 23, 08:12 pm »
The part I am cleaning is the engine mount that I made from very rusty scrap.
The part is hung in the centre of the bucket. Making sure not to touch the outer steel.
I will post pictures of the finished part in a day or two when the process is complete.
« Last Edit: 20 Jan 23, 08:16 pm by Moogie38 (Noel) »
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Moogie38 (Noel)

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #2 on: 21 Jan 23, 07:59 am »
Progress after three hours.
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Moogie38 (Noel)

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #3 on: 22 Jan 23, 09:34 pm »
Only managed to run the charger for about 4 hours so the part isn't 100% clean but its good enough.
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dunworkin

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #4 on: 22 Jan 23, 11:06 pm »
Highly recommended...Ive been using this process for a while for old stilsons etc and lately cylinder heads & manifolds. I follow up by a pressure wash and finish with wire brushes in a drill. Its a bit of dirty of work but worth it, cheap too. Im looking for a drum big enough for a V8 block !

Moogie38 (Noel)

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #5 on: 22 Jan 23, 11:20 pm »
Forgot to mention,  this process gives off hydrogen gas. Ask me how I know.💥🙄
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Konrad

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Re: Electrolysis Rust Removal
« Reply #6 on: 23 Jan 23, 09:29 am »
Forgot to mention,  this process gives off hydrogen gas. Ask me how I know.💥🙄
Very important point this... dont set it up in an enclosed space  :D
Also you dont want to use stainless or coated steel with this process... either for the bits being cleaned, or the scrap. The gasses they give off can be very bad for your short-term health.