how much citric powder /ratio

[Turbo]

A rinse off with hot water works well.

 

[Blobber]

Not seen this before, its like its covered in double cream!

 

[DanZac]

Not seen this before, its like its covered in double cream!
View attachment 522166

I've had bits come out like that. I've no idea why, so I'm not much help.

But it seems to be worse if the bits are greasy or dirty when they go in, when its cold, or if they're left in too long.

 

[bigegg]

It's the grease emulsifying.

 

[Dapph2]

I've had bits come out like that. I've no idea why, so I'm not much help.

But it seems to be worse if the bits are greasy or dirty when they go in, when its cold, or if they're left in too long.

I also put the deposits formed down to things being a bit greasy .. it brushes off easily enough with a wire brush , but you need to oil it once dry to stop rusting . A quick clean in /with petrol removes the oil ready for when you want to paint things .

 

[Misterg]

Everything needs to be free from oil and grease before you soak it. Aqueous degreasers are better than solvent ones for this - TFR and pressure washer if it's something minging.

 

[Wallace]

Not sure if l posted this previously but last time l did an engine block in citric (MGB), to stop the flash rusting l dunked it straight into some used antifreeze mix as an experiment. Left it to dry and no flash rust.

 

[MattF]

What do you gain from the other ingredients?

I did a quick read online, the other week, & if I recall correctly, the basic premise is that the alkali weakens the acid to the point where it's only just strong enough to affect rust, & not sound metal.

 

[Misterg]

the basic premise is that the alkali weakens the acid to the point where it's only just strong enough to affect rust, & not sound metal.

No.

The mixture is a convenient way of creating sodium citrate which is effective at locking up* iron ions (e.g. from rust) without dissolving metallic iron.

ETA: *process called chelation

 

[MattF]

A good way to get the right answer is with a wrong answer.