3 replies to this topic

[ac427]

I was thinking of getting my gearbox casing acid dipped to clean it up.

Is it ok to acid dip cast ally or steel for that matter?

I presume the part is dipped and then washed afterwards. Is this correct?

Edited by ac427, 09 May 2023 - 04:26 PM.

[Spider]

I think there's a acid that OK with Alloy and Aluminum parts, but you'd want to really flush it well afterwards. I recall a few years back there was a product that was quite effective, but you need to take extreme PPE precautions when using it.

 

Phosphoric Acid is brilliant on Cast Iron and Steel, but it really on removes rust. A warm Caustic Solution is good here for removing Oil, Grease, Grime and most Paints from Iron and Steel. If you are going to use these chemicals, do the Caustic one first, them thoroughly wash that out as it's an Alkali and will neutralize any Acid. You can also use Sulfuric Acid, it's commonly available for cleaning bricks, but I found it much less effective. After the Acid dipping, a spray up with WD40 or something like that would be in order to avoid flash rusting.

 

With any of these products, be sure to use appropriate PPE.

 

I'll suggest though, unless you are doing this often and quite a bit of it, you may wish to find commercial firms who do it, then you don't have to deal with the hazards of these chemicals and in particular, the disposal of them. I did run hot (caustic) and cold (acid) tanks for a few years as it was worth my while, but I no longer bother now.

[gazza82]

You could try Acetic Acid .. that's basically lemon juice ..

[sonscar]

Vinegar?Steve..