Molasses rust removal

[Mike K]

I recently bought a 20 litre tub of molasses, dirt cheap from the rural hardware store.

Had a go at the process . I have to report that it works very well . I used a 44 gallon drum. A Morris drive shaft and gear box lid ... covered in rust . I used a strong mix .. around 5 parts water to 1 part molasses. Maybe the Summer heat has helped the process along , only took 5 days .

I've tried the electrolisis many times..in my opinion, it's more fiddly and not as effective as molasses.

A plus for molasses is you can leave it unattended . The electrolosis method always needs to be checked on , a possible fire hazard with fumes and electrical equipment overheating .

[Paul Dutton]

The molasses method has many advantages over the electrolysis method.
Firstly, the ease and simplicity of setting up
The environmental impact, no fumes, no electricity, safety factor and COST!
But also on the work piece, it's not as harsh, can dip most materials and great for freeing up seized components such as linkage and track.
Plus you can have a couple on the goat the same time, large IBC (1000L container), maybe a 45 gall and a 20L bucket, no worrying about separate chargers or power!
Gets my vote all the time.
Yes, heat does help, but if you in no hurry, not a problem.

[David Herbert]

I think that another advantage that molassses has over electrolysis is that with electrolysis the nearer a part is to the anode the more effect there is, with relatively little effect in deep holes or where components are rusted together. In those situations a purely chemical process over a long time works very much better. Basicly the slower the process the more thorough the result.

If you want a quick result sandblasting is the way to go IMHO but it also won't get between rusted together components.

David

[Jordan Baker]

For this to work does the mixture need to be warm? I'm just wondering with out cold canadian winters if it work setup outside?

[maple_leaf_eh]

I bought a Ruger 10/22 rifle in the spring and there was a light surface rust on the barrel. Thinking I'd try the molasses trick, I made a tall tubular stand and lined it with heavy plastic sheeting. In went the barrel and 100% molasses. Six months later I remembered what I was doing and hauled it out. (Admit it folks, sometimes life gets away on us.) The molasses has stained and caked in places. It also pitted the steel and shows highs-and-lows were the plastic wrap folded.

I now have the piece coated with automatic transmission fluid and it will be brushed clean. (Might do that today because there is freezing rain pellets falling outside.)

The molasses also is quite messy to clean up, and stained some clean t-shirts I grabbed as rags. They look like I wiped my backside!

[jack neville]

Too slow and messy and stinks!!!!