Differential parts cleanup with Muriatic acid?

[vince1]

Before I cart all this stuff off to metal recycling I thought I would experiment.

This 66 differential has been apart for a long time. I am pretty sure before it failed it was half full of water. To make things worse I have had the axles and gears outside and as a result they are pretty rusty.

I thought I would try for an easy cleanup with Muriartic acid and see what happens. I am not too worried about the housing but what will happen to axle splines when subjected to acid? Would hydrogen embrittlement become a factor rendering them susceptible to cracking or completely breaking in two?

[Brad54]

I'd be more concerned with the acid chemically milling the surfaces and increasing the tolerances.
Try soaking them in molasses, or doing an electrolysis bath.

[vince1]

Well I do have a plastic tub but don't have much of a clue as to how to get it off by electrolysis. I can imagine a battery and some probes and some water but wouldn't know how to proceed.

[dracko]

I've had good luck with vinegar in the past. Might take a couple days of soaking but the parts should look like new after. Easy cleanup too, just pour it on some weedy areas in the yard.

[bpmcgee]

Not muriatic acid, but phosphoric would be my choice. It's the active ingredient in Naval Jelly, a rust-converter. It converts iron oxide to iron phosphate, which binds very strongly to steel and inhibits further rust.

[vince1]

Thanks, I'll try and get some phosphoric acid. It sounds about the best and I had all but forgotten about it. It'll be a first for trying it though.

[aerotruk63]

I started but never finished trying this method.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=rust

[aerotruk63]

Lots of YouTube video's
I entered " Baking soda rust removal battery charger "

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by Brad54

Try soaking them in molasses...

Youtube "molasses rust removal" and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it works.

Gary

[vince1]

Yes, lots of good methods for rust removal here. This was a good learning experience for me so thanks for everyone's input.

After some more reflection though I don't think I will bother and just get rid of the stuff. If anybody around Calgary here has use of it let me know and I can be talked out of it real easy. Next option will be to ask the gear center if they want it. Then there is the metal recycling option.

If I knew what I was doing I'd take the innards from my good 64 diff and move them over to the 66 housing. But then who needs 3 differentials for one truck. Maybe I'll get rid of the 3.73 64 diff too. I'll wait long enough for that to see what transmission I will eventually get.

[Captainfab]

IMO it is always wise to hold onto all spare parts until after the project is completed.