Molasses Really is an Excellent Rust Remover

[SteveG]

Well, I was a non-believer. BS I said. But some swore by it, so I had to try it.

Removing rust from tanks was discussed here: viewtopic.php?t=5271&postdays=0&postord ... es&start=0
and I decided to give the sticky, smelly, but cheap (about $17.00 will make about 6 gallons) goo a try. It also sounds easy. Fill it and forget it for a couple of weeks. If it doesn't remove the rust, I can dump it in the backyard and feed the wildlife for a while.

I am currently resurrecting (not restoring) an 81 CB900F. Many rusty, nasty things on it. Especially the inside of the tank.

The results:

Start with one nasty, rusty tank:


Add a crusty exhaust header flange:


Get a jug of molasses and dilute it to about 2 parts water to 1 part molasses (there is no shop manual on this one guys!):


Fill up the tank to the brim:


And throw the flanges in the leftovers:


Wait three weeks, get the molasses out, and voila:



I rinsed the tank with clean water (with some baking soda mixed in), then coated the inside with some motor oil to prevent any further rusting until it gets painted and filled with gas. Then I plan to keep it filled with gas to prevent any future rust. That is the plan anyway.

I think it was a successful experiment.

Steve

[EMS]

Wow Do you think all these expensive rust removers are just a mix of water and molasses and we have been had for spending big bucks on these

[NobleHops]

Well, I was a non-believer. BS I said. But some swore by it, so I had to try it.

<snip>

I think it was a successful experiment.

Steve

That is frickin' amazing, I have never heard of that. Looks great!

N.

[Rick Pope]

I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.

[Z Grand]

Who'd a thunk it? Plus, you can use the leftovers on your pancakes. :twisted:

[TerryL]

I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.

Say Rick, suppose there's some other type of store (feed store) those of us in metropolitan areas can find this stuff?

[Will]

I think that somewhere in that thread SteveG posted, I had mentioned a product called RustBeeter. It's made from the leftovers of sugar beets. The folks in the antique motorcycle crowd swear by it.

But, it sure is easy to stop by the feed store for some molasses.

Say Rick, suppose there's some other type of store (feed store) those of us in metropolitan areas can find this stuff?

It's in small bottles right next to the cake mix in a grocery store. But, it's cost you more than a ride to the feed store.

[Rick Pope]

I have no idea about packaging or price, other than the photo and info in the above posts.

You could try Tractor Supply. They seem to cater to the urban cowboy. They sure as heck don't carry anything I need. I calll them Tractor Surprise, because I'm surprised if I can find anything worth bringing home.

[alimey4u2]

No wonder why my colonoscopy was such a hit... The endoscope came out shining like a new pin....

[EMS]

No wonder why my colonoscopy was such a hit... The endoscope came out shining like a new pin....

What are you saying, Larry you're eating too much candy

[alimey4u2]

Waffles drizzled with Molasses Mike.... Breakfast of champions...

[Carl]

Quick question.....is this "stuff" safe on paint?

[SteveG]

Carl -

It has no effect on paint. It will eat aluminum (the petcock) though, so make sure that it is removed.

Steve

[Rick Angles #3328]

Well finally getting around to cleaning out the tank. Just have had to many other things going on. I am going to do the molasses trick to clean it out. I know to remove the petcock ( plug with cork?), mix it 2-1 and leave set for about 2 weeks. I see it does not hurt the paint, but how about the decals? Do I latch the cap back on? Will it hurt the rubber seal or cap? Sorry for all the questions, but like to know before I start this.

[Rick Angles #3328]

Just removed the petcock and drain the old fuel, but found another problem. Looks like this will be a looonnnggg build to get the X running again. Hate to see what the carbs look like now