Author |
Message |
calvinater Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2014 Posts: 3327 Location: 802 The Pointless Forrest
|
Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 11:47 am Post subject: Electrolysis |
|
|
I have had success using this method to derust rims and other stell parts . Was wondering if it would have any ill effects on heads. IE would it disintegrate or compromise the alloy structure? _________________ "Albatross"! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
raygreenwood Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2008 Posts: 21510 Location: Oklahoma City
|
Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Electrolysis |
|
|
calvinater wrote: |
I have had success using this method to derust rims and other stell parts . Was wondering if it would have any ill effects on heads. IE would it disintegrate or compromise the alloy structure? |
Yes and no...and why?
Electrolysis can remove corrosion on any metal....but the electrolyte base used will be different for each metal....and will be different between cast, forged and extruded aluminum alloys in the case of aluminum.
And it only...as you know...removes the oxidization it can reach and will not touch dirt or grease...and will not work through the dirt or grease to reach corrosion.
The real issue ...and the question why....is that when you put a metal into an electrolyte...it will be either a caustic or an acid depending on the metal.
The speed of electrolysis will depend on solution strength of the electrolyte...and temperature. You can speed up the process (or damage) with heat.
And in reality.....just putting aluminum into a caustic solution IS an electrolytic process.
You are seeing the same charge reversal and reverse plating effect without adding electric current. The difference is that to accomplish this without current you need a much stronger electrolyte.
Typically with aluminum its simpler to use a very mild caustic AND surfactant like Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)....in a heated and agitated vat...and it removes ALL corrosion and the paint a grease too.
Its what aluminum vats at machine shops use. Ray |
|
Back to top |
|
|
calvinater Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2014 Posts: 3327 Location: 802 The Pointless Forrest
|
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 4:24 am Post subject: Re: Electrolysis |
|
|
The reason i asked is i was given an old pair of grungee sp heads and was thinking of using this method to help with corroded springs. Guess ill just use good old elbow grease to see what ive got. Thanks Ray. _________________ "Albatross"! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
gt1953 Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2002 Posts: 13846 Location: White Mountains Arizona
|
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 7:28 am Post subject: Re: Electrolysis |
|
|
I derust nuts bolts washers using vinegar, soak them over night, rinse in water, wire wheel if needed and then oil them. The look like new. Try a sample. _________________ Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.
72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold}) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
raygreenwood Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2008 Posts: 21510 Location: Oklahoma City
|
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: Electrolysis |
|
|
calvinater wrote: |
The reason i asked is i was given an old pair of grungee sp heads and was thinking of using this method to help with corroded springs. Guess ill just use good old elbow grease to see what ive got. Thanks Ray. |
Just pull the springs off and pull the valves out. If they are rusted they are trash....no point in cleaning them up. Rusted springs other than VERY light surface rust....destroys them.
Also....using electolysis causes bydrogen embrittlement in ferrous metals.....and literally destroys springs in minutes.
Electrolysis has its place as useful and slow cleaning tool but you have to be careful with it.
Ray |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|