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Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:22 pm
by SteveG
Well, I was a non-believer. BS I said. But some swore by it, so I had to try it.

Removing rust from tanks was discussed here: viewtopic.php?t=5271&postdays=0&postord ... es&start=0
and I decided to give the sticky, smelly, but cheap (about $17.00 will make about 6 gallons) goo a try. It also sounds easy. Fill it and forget it for a couple of weeks. If it doesn't remove the rust, I can dump it in the backyard and feed the wildlife for a while.

I am currently resurrecting (not restoring) an 81 CB900F. Many rusty, nasty things on it. Especially the inside of the tank.

The results:

Start with one nasty, rusty tank:
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Add a crusty exhaust header flange:
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Get a jug of molasses and dilute it to about 2 parts water to 1 part molasses (there is no shop manual on this one guys!):
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Fill up the tank to the brim:
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And throw the flanges in the leftovers:
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Wait three weeks, get the molasses out, and voila:
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I rinsed the tank with clean water (with some baking soda mixed in), then coated the inside with some motor oil to prevent any further rusting until it gets painted and filled with gas. Then I plan to keep it filled with gas to prevent any future rust. That is the plan anyway.

I think it was a successful experiment.

Steve

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:16 am
by EMS
Wow :!: :shock: Do you think all these expensive rust removers are just a mix of water and molasses and we have been had for spending big bucks on these :roll: :?

Re: Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:42 am
by NobleHops
SteveG wrote:Well, I was a non-believer. BS I said. But some swore by it, so I had to try it.

<snip>

I think it was a successful experiment.

Steve
That is frickin' amazing, I have never heard of that. Looks great!

N.

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:12 am
by Rick Pope
I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 12:14 pm
by Z Grand
Who'd a thunk it? Plus, you can use the leftovers on your pancakes. :twisted:

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 12:32 pm
by TerryL
Rick Pope wrote:I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.
Say Rick, suppose there's some other type of store (feed store) those of us in metropolitan areas can find this stuff? :lol: :P

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 1:10 pm
by Will
TerryL wrote:
Rick Pope wrote:I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.
Say Rick, suppose there's some other type of store (feed store) those of us in metropolitan areas can find this stuff? :lol: :P
It's in small bottles right next to the cake mix in a grocery store. But, it's cost you more than a ride to the feed store.

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:11 pm
by Rick Pope
I have no idea about packaging or price, other than the photo and info in the above posts.

You could try Tractor Supply. They seem to cater to the urban cowboy. They sure as heck don't carry anything I need. I calll them Tractor Surprise, because I'm surprised if I can find anything worth bringing home.

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:57 pm
by alimey4u2
No wonder why my colonoscopy was such a hit... The endoscope came out shining like a new pin.... :lol:

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:50 pm
by EMS
alimey4u2 wrote:No wonder why my colonoscopy was such a hit... The endoscope came out shining like a new pin.... :lol:
What are you saying, Larry :?: :?: you're eating too much candy :shock: :?: :? :D :D

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:54 pm
by alimey4u2
Waffles drizzled with Molasses Mike.... Breakfast of champions... :lol:

Re: Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:50 pm
by Carl
Quick question.....is this "stuff" safe on paint?

Re: Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 3:23 am
by SteveG
Carl -

It has no effect on paint. It will eat aluminum (the petcock) though, so make sure that it is removed.

Steve

Re: Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 4:56 pm
by Rick Angles #3328
Well finally getting around to cleaning out the tank. Just have had to many other things going on. I am going to do the molasses trick to clean it out. I know to remove the petcock ( plug with cork?), mix it 2-1 and leave set for about 2 weeks. I see it does not hurt the paint, but how about the decals? Do I latch the cap back on? Will it hurt the rubber seal or cap? Sorry for all the questions, but like to know before I start this.

Re: Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 5:41 pm
by Rick Angles #3328
Just removed the petcock and drain the old fuel, but found another problem. Looks like this will be a looonnnggg build to get the X running again. Hate to see what the carbs look like now :cry: