Electrolysis

[2ndDEboy]

This shell has been in my e tank for 48 hours and still has some rust that won't scrub off what should I do thank you I been running 6.33 volts 2.34 amps

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Check the basics.

1.scrub off your sacrificial anodes

2. move them closer/direct line of sight to the problem area

3. Consider using a scrap of sheet stainless, if you have it.

4. Dump/drain 'freshen' your electrolyte solution… and concentrate it more if need be

5. Lastly - up your amperage a bit… or consider actually tapping a hole into the shell to get better contact. You can putty fill later to hide it.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Also - If you are using a manual battery charger - consider upgrading to a benchtop power supply.

 

[2ndDEboy]

Also - If you are using a manual battery charger - consider upgrading to a benchtop power supply.

I am using a power supply the water is not dirty but I have a copper wire wrapped around the shell it seems the rust is hanging around the immediate area of the copper wire

The metal in tank are clean rebar 7 bars and I just freshened the water with a cup of soda powder also went to 8.5 volts 3 amps

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Sounds like a conductivity issue.

I typically use toothed alligator clips of various sizes, up to jumper cable size parrot clips for engine blocks / drive cogs / tractor parts / an 800 pound molasses press.

The wrapped wire approach relies heavily on how forgiving of an oxidized surface you are making contact with.

Make a 'bright' spot… bite into it with a clip, or drill a small hole and get a small screw in there touching a fresh surface.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Also, copper can impart some color… be mindful of that.

I typically use romex leads to aluminum/plated connection points.

 

[2ndDEboy]

Also, copper can impart some color… be mindful of that.

I typically use romex leads to aluminum/plated connection points.

I have new stainless alligator clips coming in do you think that will rid the copper color once I switch and let this piece soak some more the

 

[2ndDEboy]

Sounds like a conductivity issue.

I typically use toothed alligator clips of various sizes, up to jumper cable size parrot clips for engine blocks / drive cogs / tractor parts / an 800 pound molasses press.

The wrapped wire approach relies heavily on how forgiving of an oxidized surface you are making contact with.

Make a 'bright' spot… bite into it with a clip, or drill a small hole and get a small screw in there touching a fresh surface.

Do you bake your items in the oven to dry or do you boil in straight wax to dry and seal

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

I have new stainless alligator clips coming in do you think that will rid the copper color once I switch and let this piece soak some more the

It should/probably will.

Paste wax will also 'even out' the copper color tint too.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Do you bake your items in the oven to dry or do you boil in straight wax to dry and seal

My small stuff like relics get baked on old cookie sheets to dry and then immediately coated with paste wax (softened/slightly melted with a heatgun and foam brush applied) - then boot-brushed on and burnished.

 

[2ndDEboy]

Also, copper can impart some color… be mindful of that.

I typically use romex leads to aluminum/plated connection points.

The relic is 97 percent clean after making some adjustments there is still some Trouble rust spots in small crevices that appear to be stubborn even with the volt set at 8.60 and Amps at 3.33 do you think if I boil these trouble spots will rust further

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

With the condition of your shell, you don't need to worry about 'too much' electrolysis… if it was in poor condition, as in flaking throughout the thickness/delaminating - that would be a different story.

With that said, you could pull the shell - spritz the few remaining trouble spots with Ospho or another rust converter - and then paste wax.

 

[2ndDEboy]

With the condition of your shell, you don't need to worry about 'too much' electrolysis… if it was in poor condition, as in flaking throughout the thickness/delaminating - that would be a different story.

With that said, you could pull the shell - spritz the few remaining trouble spots with Ospho or another rust converter - and then paste wax.

Before a after pics