Hi all,

Just been reading up on this wonderous 'Electrolysis' thingy and am going to give it a go.

My question is, can I do my brake calipers in the stuff? I am worried about any damage/effect to the piston housings and fluid-ways.

JB

I have used this method to death, no damage will result to any steel surface, only rust will be removed. Aluminum is simply dulled, copper goes green and not very nice but isn't really removed.

oh it is as wonderous as it sounds

Might as well say that you will not be electrocuted or your pets if you use a 12v battery charger, you can stick your hand in and won't feel a thing. Go for a charger that has about 10 amps rating to speed things up. I cheated by connecting two 5 amp ones in parallel. This was enough power to charge a paddling pool sized pond when I did the lawn tractor. Any old crappy bit of iron bar can be used as the electrode so long as it not very rusty.


[Edited on 25/9/08 by Mr Whippy]

electrolysis does not harm the metal

Cheers guys. Morrisons here I come (best hide the mop bucket from SWMBO now so she doesn't get suspicious )

JB

Be sure to wear gloves and do it outside, think it produces some fairly nasty chemicals

quote:

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Originally posted by marmot0
Be sure to wear gloves and do it outside, think it produces some fairly nasty chemicals

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No major problem with what you are doing...... We have all done it.

However... DO NOT put anything with Chromium in it, or Stainless (Chrome content in Stainless).

That will give off Hexavalent Chromium, and that is VERY NASTY, and poisonous.
Just steer away from stainless and Chrome.
ie stick to mild steel and castings (No Blingy bits!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexavalent_chromium
Have a read!!

As per usual plenty of ventilation, rubber gloves and some eye protection (or even a full face shield)
Sodium Hydroxide (Washing Soda) is not that dangerous but can cause burns or eye damage if you are silly with it, especially if you make up a strong / concentrated mix.

Wash off any splashes with plenty of cold water.

If in ANY doubt, consult an Expert (or dont do it)


BTW it does not touch clean metal, only the rusty bits.
Just take yout time, and take care.

EDIT:

You also need to get the polarity right way round for the workpiece and the sacraficial plate, or it hardly works at all!

[Edited on 25/9/2008 by wilkingj]