Overdue update!

[Ron Pier]

Craig's crank clean up. Ron

[Andrew Rowe]

Just got a small question out there. Trying to read up on this process which looks quite spectacular for these engine cleaning results. Does Hydrogen embrittlement ever needs to be considered using this process? Or is it that the items are never in the "Bath" that long to cause any degree of this micro atom action? Are there Chemical experts still out there?, Cheers Andrew.

[Craig W]

Hi Andrew. To my knowledge I've never previously heard of such problems associated with this type of component cleaning. Hydrogen production does occur as a result of the electrolysis process but on this scale I don't believe it's significant. As you also pointed out, cleaning cycles generally don't exceed 20hrs. Certain materials don't react favourably with electrolysis! Aluminium for example.
Regards the items I've cleaned so far, I'm delighted with the results.
However, I must point out I'm not a chemical engineer, so I'd certainly be interested to learn if there's any potential downsides? Every day's a school day!

[Niels V]

Hydrogen embrittlement is definitely some thing to be considered, when using electrolysis, as it can cause rapid crack formation and failure of a component.
That being said, it is predominantly the case for high strength steels, low grades are not so susceptible to embrittlement.
I would not use electrolysis for something like the U bolts that holds an axel to the springs, leaf springs or tow hook etc.
The effects of hydrogen embrittlement can be mitigated by heat treating the steel after the electrolysis to drive the hydrogen out.

[Andrew Rowe]

So how do you define a crankshaft as being?,( high grade steel? ) and how much time in the bath will cause this? Does this embrittlement process start straight away , or if something like a crank is submerged for a day, it won't effect it at all? Cheers Andrew.

[Niels V]

Sadly I can not give you definite answer to those answers to that, eg. not sure if its cast or forged.
actually this the wiki article not to bad https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement and its also worth maybe checking out the references.

[Andrew Rowe]

And he only wanted to clean the parts...........!

[Niels V]

Yes there are always pro and cons to any treatment process.
For something like engine parts I personally would lean towards, water polishing or dry ice blasting, as these would leave a minimum of residue.

I am not sure about how the production process or materials of the Flathead crankshaft, something like case hardened journals could be susceptible hydrogen embrittlement.

Sadly I cannot ask my professor in surface treatment and material science any more.