Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:22 pm
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:
Add a crusty exhaust header flange:
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!):
Fill up the tank to the brim:
And throw the flanges in the leftovers:
Wait three weeks, get the molasses out, and voila:
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
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:
Add a crusty exhaust header flange:
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!):
Fill up the tank to the brim:
And throw the flanges in the leftovers:
Wait three weeks, get the molasses out, and voila:
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