Vinegar Warning

[MrMoparCHP]

I put some parts in vinegar to clean like I have done many times before, same vinegar, same store, etc.

I did forget to check on these for a few days but overall they were in less than some other parts I have done.

This is the parking brake spring, it looks to have eaten half it away...




This is the clip that holds the speedometer cable in...


These parts were in good shape and not already rusted through.

There were also some nuts with captive washers that the washers were thin and detached.



Alan

 

[Wollfen]

Yes, I have seen this before, vinegar is highly acidic and when it comes to thin metal parts they can be eaten away quite effectively.

 

[Samplingman]

Either of those parts contain zinc? Vinegar will dissolve zinc.

 

[67-Fury]

I used vinegar a lot with good results now I know what can happen with some more sensitive parts thanks for sharing.

 

[thrashingcows]

I use a molasses mixed with water. Usually about a 1 part molasses to 4 or 5 parts water.

 

[Big blubber]

Have you tried ,Coca Cola I use it quite a lot it's got acidic acids in it and might not be as fierce as vinegar

 

[Samplingman]

I go with Evapo-Rust, but it can get pricey. I plan on trying the Borax and lemon juice mix.

Evapo-Rust before and after:

 

[CanCritter]

I go with Evapo-Rust, but it can get pricey. I plan on trying the Borax and lemon juice mix.

Evapo-Rust before and after:

View attachment 51982View attachment 51983

impressive...this should b a sticky thread as were all fightin rust in some way....

 

[livininharrow]

i use rust beeter. it is a very good rust eating product, made from beets. soak your parts as long as you want. only eats the rust. been using it for years now. a pail will last about 3 to 4 years. very sloppy though but works wonders.

 

[mr. fix it]

I made the same mistake last year with OEM u-joint retainer clips with the flat metal tab used during the factory assembly to keep the caps on the u-joint.
They had some minor surface rust and I was sure I could score a small reward on EBay for those that have to have the 100 point restoration.

I unfortunately forgot about them in the solution and they turned to powder!!!!

 

[vdk2010]

I made the same mistake last year with OEM u-joint retainer clips with the flat metal tab used during the factory assembly to keep the caps on the u-joint.
They had some minor surface rust and I was sure I could score a small reward on EBay for those that have to have the 100 point restoration.

I unfortunately forgot about them in the solution and they turned to powder!!!!

That's a great information. My clips are broken and I can't remove them... Maybe I should try and soak the whole drive shaft end in vinegar to get them off.


About a safe rust removal method, I used Metal Rescue, that's great stuff!

It did this:

 

[live4theking]

I've not tried it, but I noticed at Wal Mart the other night a rust remover bad by WD-40. I was there to get some Berrymen's B-12 Chemtool. They are the only place that I can get it.

 

[Alchemi]

+1 on the molasses, have done heaps of stuff with it, takes time though

 

[Furiousone]

What Wal-Mart rust remover?
Beets? Who would've thunk it.
I haven't heard of Metal Rescue. It appears to be as good as Evapo Rust. I'll look it up. Remember, you can re-use Evapo Rust 3 or 4 times at least. I am going to build my own blast cabinet. I'd suggest everyone get one or find a place that will let you use it. I did a small block head with one and I was very impressed.

 

[vdk2010]

I made the same mistake last year with OEM u-joint retainer clips with the flat metal tab used during the factory assembly to keep the caps on the u-joint.
They had some minor surface rust and I was sure I could score a small reward on EBay for those that have to have the 100 point restoration.

I unfortunately forgot about them in the solution and they turned to powder!!!!

That's a great information. My clips are broken and I can't remove them... Maybe I should try and soak the whole drive shaft end in vinegar to get them off.

And it worked for me as well! The retainers disintegrated completely after soaking approx. 8 weeks in 10% vinegar. The best way to remove them when the tabs are broken off!

Thanks Tom for the tipp! ;)

 

[tallhair]

i use rust beeter. it is a very good rust eating product, made from beets. soak your parts as long as you want. only eats the rust. been using it for years now. a pail will last about 3 to 4 years. very sloppy though but works wonders.

Here's the FAQ's about rustbeeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

[tallhair]

Either of those parts contain zinc? Vinegar will dissolve zinc.

Rustbeeter seems like a good alternative for sensitive metals

 

[Furiousone]

On mild surface rust, how long does it take for the RustBeeter take to work?
WD-40 makes a rust remover?
Is that Metal Rescue pretty much like Evapor Rust?