Rust removal.

[Steve Webb]

As I'm probably going to be cleaning up a fair few parts in the future, I thought I'd try the electrolysis method of getting rid of some of the rust.

This method involves submerging the item to be cleaned in a solution of washing soda (Sodium Carbonate) and passing a current through the solution.

I'm trying it out on a brake disk clamp for the rear calipers on a 75. Been in there for about 3 hrs now and already there is a nice scum on the top of the liquid.

I'll give it another hr then pull it out to see whats happened.

Here is what it looked like before it went in:

http://www.berlinasportivo.com/forumpics/project75/before.jpg

And here is the setup running:

http://www.berlinasportivo.com/forumpics/project75/during.jpg

We'll see what it looks like when I get it out and give it a wipe/brush down.

[wrinx]

Keep meaning to have a go at this...interested to see the results :)

wrinx

[Brul(tm)]

I'd like to see some result picture to :)

[Steve Webb]

Here are before and after pics, well one of a piece that hasn't been dunked, and one that has for @ 4hrs.

Before:

http://www.berlinasportivo.com/forumpics/project75/close_before.jpg

And this is the piece that has been in for 4hrs. Just wiped clean with a rag after, would probably benefit from a wire brushing, but not really the shape for it.

http://www.berlinasportivo.com/forumpics/project75/close_after.jpg

I'm pretty pleased with the results so far, probably going to be refining the process at some point.

I'm using knackered old mower blades as the anodes at the moment, I'll probably move over to rebar mesh for mark 2 of the bath.

Mark 2 is also going to be bigger.

Gonna need a bigger power source as well, as it stands, with this size piece being dunked its drawing 8-10amps.

[wrinx]

Not bad at all for four hours.

From what I've read, any muck will slow down the process and the "before" picture looks a bit greasy.

wrinx