Descaling and rust removal using molasses and water

[My68SS]

I never knew about this!!
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/53656-molasses-and-rust-removal.html

I'm giving it a try right now. 

[3rail]

Well, I have used the grape kool-aide trick for years to eat away old paint and rust on parts. Over on the TC board, there was a big discussion about this a few years ago.

[1968 Z28]

I never knew about this!!
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/53656-molasses-and-rust-removal.html

I'm giving it a try right now.  

Let us know the results.  I have been using Evapo-Rust for some time now and it works great but am tired of paying out the nose for it.  Would love to find something that works great yet it doesn't empty your wallet.

[My68SS]

Well, I have used the grape kool-aide trick for years to eat away old paint and rust on parts. Over on the TC board, there was a big discussion about this a few years ago.

Now that's 'kool' How long do you soak for [typically]. Do you keep it hot or leave it cold?

Let us know the results.  I have been using Evapo-Rust for some time now and it works great but am tired of paying out the nose for it.  Would love to find something that works great yet it doesn't empty your wallet.

Will do. I'm stewing my water pump housing in a small tub of it [cold though], mixed about 5 : 1
The main considerations for me were environmentally friendly and no etching of the base metal which will hopefully keep flash rusting to a minimum when I dry off.

[1968 Z28]

If you could set it out in the sun I'm sure it would work better.  Even the Evapo-Rust works better when it is hot so I set it out in the sun.  It evaporates a lot faster that way but i just add water to bring it back up to the proper level and it works the same.

Also, let us know if you vary the mix ratio and find a difference in the effectiveness of the solution.

[My68SS]

If you could set it out in the sun I'm sure it would work better.

Wrong hemisphere - Australia. We've got the south pole breathing down our necks atm 
I'll try and pick up a temp controlled immersion heater to help it along.

[Sauron327]

Have you guys tried electrolysis. Does not take much to set it up and  works well. Your stated concern is environmentally friendly.  Sodium Carbonate is the ingredient. Made by Arm and Hammer to name just one and is available at the grocery store. I've done it. Set it up, walk away and let it work.

[My68SS]

Yeah I'd read about electrolysis, looks another good way. I went with the molasses as the only setup needed was to mix some up and throw the bits in.

Not hard to tell what's stewing in my vat!! 

[68Zproject]

It looks like a full size figure of Alfred E. Newman's head.

[My68SS]