molassess and crank shafts
 

Last week I got rid of 2700# of scrap. I did keep some merc cranks that I would like to save. Pretty rusty although the bearings surfaces are not to bad. Question is if I soak these cranks in molasses and water for 3 or 4 days to remove the rust, will this harm the bearing surfaces. All the cranks need to be reground. Thanks Bill

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I would NOT put them in molasses,this will attack the steel,any high grade steel will be badly affected by the molasses,this will take the carbon out of the steel.
Lawrie

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I would agree with Lawrie. Some friends took an Arnold Bristol block and put it in a Molasses mixture and probably ruined the block. The metal is now very flaky. Dave/Green Bay

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I have done a half dozen blocks and they came out great.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

You have to monitor it....couple days in molasses or vinegar can attack the surface rust without destorying the remaining good metal. Couple weeks and you might be in for trouble.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I have all my blocks baked out and run through the short bead machine. I've had rusty cranks run through the short bean machine and come out like new, it don't hurt the journals, you have to have them ground anyways. You want to put oil or rust inhibbeter on them or they will rust quick. Walt

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

In this case baking is out of the question. Nearest oven I know of is 800 miles away.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

Bill Glass bead ? is that an option ?

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

maybe if I can lift it into the beader. Never thought of that. Mask off the bearing surfaces. Hmmmm

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

You didn't say you had a blaster....duct tape the journals and glass bead the rest of it. Then have the journals ground or polished.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

If you have the scratch, you should try EvapoRust. That stuff is fabulous; eats up rust and doesn't touch anything else. I did the Grille extensions/Parking light units on my '51, and while it removed all of the rust from ther backsides, it didn't touch the black paint in the grooves. About $90 for 5 gallons, though.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

LOL I have the scratch but not the itch.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

Just glass bead em, you won't hurt a thing, don't forget to remove the sludge plugs in the cranks. I run a steel brush with a drill in those sludge holes. Walt

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

Soda blast them

R

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I find that very hard to believe that there isn't one in a city of 150k+ people, or even in Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, or Winnipeg. You aren't that far north.

800 miles is like driving to Minneapolis or Denver. There will most definitely be one between you and there.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

The only oven I have found is in Creston British Colombia. Just over 1000 km each way. I have used it when passing through and it was great.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

I would think hard about using glass bead. If those beads can find a way into the engine, all hell will break loose.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

Man oh man, I am with you on this one. I would not take the chance.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

Whats the difference with the beads over the leftovers from the grinding wheel when you grind it later...
Have to be cleaned up before assembly anyhow.
For small narrow passages like a carb i prefer sodablasting that disolves when washing it.

Re: molassess and crank shafts
 

well I cleaned 3 of them with glass beads. Will give them a thorough cleaning tomorrow before the hot tank.