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[EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>]

VAN DELL JORDAN wrote:
> Has anyone tried a molasses solution for derusting?

No, sorry

 I
> read about this in a steam engine restorers site.  I first tried a
> little with grocery store molasses. from 1/4 to 1/10 molasses in
> water seems to work. Later on I got some molasses feed at the MFA and
> tried it on a larger scale.  Still don't know why or how it works.

Molasses is made from sugar cane, as you know, but it is only about half
sugar.  It also contains phenolics-acids, which act as anti-oxidants
both inside the body and outside. So, my guess is that the acid
phenolics remove the rust, and the molasses itself sticks to the metal
and blocks oxidation from reoccurring, burning or washing off eventually.

Bev
--
Bevanron of EarthNSky Farm   Sleep well tonight, for somewhere in the
ocean's depths, MY son is protecting YOUR freedom.