De-rusting with molasses

[Russ/40]

I had a customer use it on an engine block and it did pit the machined surfaces real bad. We had to re-machine every thing.

Does that sound like a chance you would like to take. It is a very expensive lesson I learned, unfortunately through experience.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

I don't think that is correct. Its not an acid - it works by a process called chelation (Google it)

Save some time,

http://hubpages.com/technology/Rust-removal-by-chelation

"Molasses the nonacid alternative

"If you are not in any hurry and you really want the safest solution to remove rust, try a 10% solution of molasses in water. Molasses is not an acid but a sugar or carbohydrate which forms a complex with iron. It can take several days or even weeks but there is no toxicity or environmental concerns."

 

[Russ/40]

Save some time,

http://hubpages.com/technology/Rust-removal-by-chelation

"Molasses the nonacid alternative

"If you are not in any hurry and you really want the safest solution to remove rust, try a 10% solution of molasses in water. Molasses is not an acid but a sugar or carbohydrate which forms a complex with iron. It can take several days or even weeks but there is no toxicity or environmental concerns."

There appears to be two different products that account for the two strongly opposing opinions on the safety of molasses as a de-rusting agent. There is molasses in its pure liquid state or it's dehydrated powder state. The other product that explains the serious pitting of the open structure of machined surfaces on cast iron is Sulphated molasses. Sulphated molasses is a common form of feed mollasses. Sulfur Dioxide is an added compound used as a preservative. Sulphites are found in many foods, even wine, and are a form of mild acid. Be Careful!

 

[ronn]

Thanks Russ, I was thinking of running it in engine and them letting it sit for a week or two or three

I use vinegar for engines and rads and works great. do need to let sit for 4-6 weeks though to really clean out.

 

[Mad Mac]

OK lets not recommend molasses for machined surfaces but it works a treat on just about any other kind of steel, including body panels, running-board brackets, petrol tanks etc. I also had good results using it on my Model A inlet and exhaust manifolds.

 

[4dy]

I have used it for years. I got a 5 gallon bucket of liquid molasses at a feed store. I think it was under $25. I mix it with water about 10-1 then throw parts in and leave them for a few weeks. I had some rusted window regulators that freed up and came out looking great. The smell is not bad and you can grab the parts with your bare hands. I tried muriatic acid and it ate holes in the metal.