Electrolytic rust removal

[Adler]

So I have begun attempting to use electrolysis to derust my tank, thing is... no bubbles. I believe that means its not working.
Here's my setup.... tub filled with water and super washing soda, tank submerged, piece of metal bar suspended in the fill opening using piece of metal coat hanger, another piece of metal coat hanger hooked into the fill opening. the charger is a motomaster 6/12v charger and the clips are attached to the hanger pieces....

anyone see anything wrong with this?

 

[Steve]

I don't know if there is anything wrong with that, but there have been MANY threads on electrolysis.
Do a search, you can see what has worked before.

.

 

[Adler]

alrighty, I'm thinking that I cant be using an automatic charger as it wont supply current if it thinks the "battery" is full... Ill pick up a manual charger tomorrow for 20 bucks... lower amperage is better right?

By the way, I only found one thread on electrolysis maybe I'll try some mispellings

 

[Steve]

By the way, I only found one thread on electrolysis maybe I'll try some mispellings

I just typed the work "electrolysis" into the search window and it came up with 100 hits.

Here is a link to the search results:
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/search.php?searchid=1486882

When all else fails, just go to BassCliff's website.

You guessed it, there is an article on cleaning a rusty tank there. :clap:

.

 

[Adler]

oh, i restricted my search to the fuel section, i suppose that wasnt too efficient, ill rummage through those...

 

[almarconi]

You need to connect the positive lead to a piece of rebar or metal that is dipped in the liquid outside the tank. The negative lead hooks to the tank. You want some separation between the positive and negative leads. Submerge the tank in the liquid. The paint will not be harmed only the rust. A 10 amp charger should work fine. The one I use is a 2/40/200 manual charger.

 

[Adler]

Do you guys think this charger will work? its only 1 Amp

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/BatteryChargersAccessories/BatteryChargers/PRD~0111543P/Certified%252B1A%252BManual%252BBattery%252BCharger.jsp?locale=en

 

[Nessism]

I tried electrolysis using a trickle charger and it didn't do anything. I believe you want something more powerful.

 

[Adler]

That is the only manual charger that canadian tire carries! any way to trick the automatic into thinking the "battery" still needs charge?

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

you heart mat be set on electrolysis but

evap-rust will do it as well an quicker and cheaper and easier

 

[Adler]

How can evapo-rust possibly be cheaper?! Electrolysis costs 5 bucks for the soda...

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

time is money

and you were buying a suitable power supply?

9.99 l at CT tape over holes tuck tape would be best

swaish about or incrementally rotate

 

[Nessism]

Electricity costs money too. Run 10A though that thing for a couple of days and it will show on your electric bill for sure.

 

[Adler]

alrighty... evapo-rust it is... How would you huys suggest i seal the tank after? kreem? POR-15? (I cant find POR-15 anywhere... )

 

[Larry D]

alrighty... evapo-rust it is... How would you huys suggest i seal the tank after? kreem? POR-15? (I cant find POR-15 anywhere... )

I vote por-15. I've used it twice with great results.

http://www.por15.com/

 

[Adler]

I would love to use POR-15 but i cant find it in toronto, my brother has some kreem, but I've heard alot of very poor reviews.

 

[Larry D]

You have to order it....they'll mail it to you.

It may be a bit more pricey to do in Canada.

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

screw the liner

drain the tank and fog it in the winter

i take mine inside the house

no signifigant rust in 27 yrs


kepp yer tank full in riding season

 

[Steve]

Screw draining the tank.

Keep it full of stabilized gas, the bike will fire right up when you decide to wake it up for the season.

.

 

[ukilme]

Just borrow a charger from a neighbor. I did not notice any real increase with the hydro bill.

Now here is a question. It is the out side or inside. If it is the inside, it will not work by placing the tank in a tub. The current has to run through the rust so to speak. And therefore you need to place the solution in the tank itself.

And make sure you have the negative charge connected to the tank and the positive to the piece on metal. The other way around will eat away at the metal.

The 1 amp will work but be slow. If you hook to a battery it may work faster. I have never tried this but heard of people who have.

It should look like this.

The cap has a bolt in it and the bolt can not touch the tank in anyway.

Just remember to plug up the petcock hole with a small piece of metal and gasket crap.

After a few hours, clean the bolt/metal and put it back in. It took 24hours for my tank.

I wouldn't bother coating the tank. It has always been a problem for me or if you ever have to fix it from dents;the coating breaks apart. Just fill it with gas or if it will sit for a while coat the inside with wd-40 and it will help.