Cleaning tanks with multiple baffles has traditionally been difficult and the electrolysis method is just one more tool in our arsenal of restoration methods. Gas tanks of the teens through the 1950's and even later can have a number of chambers created with the inclusion of baffles. The Electrolysis method for rust removal is not new, but this article examines its application for use in two cleaning gas tanks, one an automobile tank and the other a small gallon tank. Some rust particles are forced off, but fall into the container. The electrolyte solution (dissolved in regular water) and when the electricity flows, the rust is forced off the rusted part and mostly deposited onto the donor metal. The negative lead is connected to the rusted part and the positive lead is connected to the donor metal which will collect the rust deposits (Photo 2). In hours or days, the part will be shed of the layers of rust and ready for the next step in refinishing.īasically, we're using DC electricity from a power supply (battery charger) connected to the rusted part ,and a donor piece of ferrous (iron) metal immersed in a solution of water and Sodium Carbonate. Several amps of Direct Current (DC) electricity from a battery charger or power supply will lift off the rust and deposit it to the Anode lead (Rebar). The part to be cleaned is connected to the negative polarity of the direct current source and the Anode is a piece of steel such a Rebar used in concrete reinforcement. Make sure you don't use baking soda, that's Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) which will not work. Sodium Carbonate is also found in Hot tub chemical section of your local Home Store (Menards, Lowes, HD, etc.). You submerse the rusted part in a non metallic container (a plastic spackle bucket will do) with a solution of Sodium Carbonate or "soda ash" (Na 2CO 3), such as Arm & Hammer Washing soda found in the laundry section of your grocery store. The technical definition of the voltage needed for electrolysis to occur is called the decomposition potential. Electrolysis is used commercially as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. In chemistry and manufacturing, electrolysis is a method of using a direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is the passage of a direct electric current through an ionic substance that is either molten or dissolved in a suitable solvent, resulting in chemical reactions at the electrodes and separation of materials. We're going to look at using electrolysis as a way to remove rust from gas tanks. Not all tanks are this elaborate but it shows the various areas where rust can form which can't be seen from the filler neck or the opening where the gas tank sending unit is inserted. Photo 1 - A cross section diagram of a gas tank with baffles and reserve chambers. Looking for a replacement tank you may find one in equal or worse condition. These may require that the exterior has to be perfect. The tank could also be an exposed one like most cars of the teens through the twenties. It will still require crimping and resealing the seam or repairing the hole using common metal fabrication methods like Mig welding a patch and grinding it smooth. In your heart you know that opening up the tank - either at a seam or using a die grinder and cutting a square hole - the tank will never be the same. Maybe it's a tank that is from a car that's a 40 year old barn find or it's a tank that was purchased at a flea market and it sat outside in the rain and snow for 20 years. That means the fuel tank has no debris like small stones, flakes of rust or other undesirable contaminants that can clog the fuel line or carburetor. We encounter a problem and run the usual phrase through our minds: "There has to be a better way." One of the most important items in the restoration process of our classic car is ensuring that the fuel system will deliver a clean, reliable stream of fuel to the engine. CAR RESTORATION HOW TO Gas Tank Cleaning using Electrolysis Removing Rust without Cutting it Open
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