How to safely clean up master cylinder cover? - NCRS Discussion Boards

How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

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  • Tony 38901

    How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

    I've heard soaking rusty parts in vinegar for a week or two is a great way to clean & remove rust. I was just wondering if this would be "safe" for the master cylinder cover? My cover has some minor pitting & caked on crud, but I don't want to use to harsh of a cleaner as I hear the cover is only zinc plated. I'm not sure how it would react to the vinegar or other cleaner. Help?

    Thanks,
    Tony
  • Joe L.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • February 1, 1988
    • 43193

    #2
    Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

    Tony-----

    Vinegar conatins a weak organic acid (acetic acid). I wouldn't expect that this would be a great way to remove rust, but it may be effective on very light rust. Certainly, it is about as minimally aggressive as anything that one could do with an acid. That's ALWAYS the best approach; use the MINIMALLY AGGRESSIVE methods FIRST; then "graduate" to more aggressive methods AS NECESSARY.

    As far as how it will work on a master cylinder cap, I think that it will likely remove the irridite ("gold") overplate as this coating is not very durable and, I think, reactive enough that the acetic acid will remove it. However, keep in mind that the RATE of material removal (i.e. rust, oxidation, electroplated material, irridite overplate, etc.) is a function of FOUR things. First, is the strength of the acid used. Second, is the concentration of the acid used. Third, is the temperature of the acid solution. Fourth, is the length of time that the part is immersed in the acid solution. In your case, you're talking about using a low concentration solution of a weak acid and likely at room temperature. All of those things bode for a slow rate of material removal. My suggestion would be to immerse the part in the solution for a relatively short period and see what happens. Then, check it periodically to see when what you want to accomplish has been accomplished. Don't leave it in any longer than that.

    You won't do any damage to the substrate steel that the cover is stamped from with this solution regardless of how long you leave it in. I doubt that you'll remove much of the underlying zinc plating. You may well remove the irridite even with a relatively short immersion.
    In Appreciation of John Hinckley

    Comment

    • Tony 38901

      #3
      Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

      Well, I tried the vinegar "trick". I tried it on the underside of the cover first. I let the vinegar sit in the cap overnight & found that it had eaten away the gold plating (or zinc or whatever it was). The cover was far from perfect, but just to let everbody know...DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

      Comment

      • Joe L.
        Beyond Control Poster
        • February 1, 1988
        • 43193

        #4
        Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

        Tony------

        Yes, like I mentioned in my previous response, I was pretty sure that the acetic acid in the vinegar would remove the irridite over-plate. That's the "gold" coloration that you see. It's NOT zinc; the zinc is the primary plated finish that's UNDENEATH the "gold". The zinc is a "silver-colored" finish. The irridite overplate is actually imparted by a solution of chromic acid. It comes off quite easily. Just about anything acidic or even slightly abrasive will remove it. So, if you want to keep it intact, about all you can do is to wash the cover in hot soapy water with a soft brush or rag. Anything more aggressive than that will remove the irridite. The substrate zinc should be more durable, though. A short exposure in the vinegar should not remove very much of it. But, it sounds like your cover is going to need complete stripping and refinishing, anyway.
        In Appreciation of John Hinckley

        Comment

        • Rob A.
          Expired
          • December 1, 1991
          • 2126

          #5
          Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

          Heavy duty rubbing compound can be used and controlled easily. I mean really heavy duty, like the old "red colored" type, not the new "safe for clear coat" version.

          Comment

          • Tony 38901

            #6
            Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

            Is there anything I could just spray on to get the cover looking like new again?

            Comment

            • Paul L.
              Expired
              • November 1, 2002
              • 1414

              #7
              Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

              Yes, such products are available but not terribly amenable to physical abuse such as movement of the attachment bands.

              Comment

              • Craig S.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • June 30, 1997
                • 2471

                #8
                Re: How to safely clean up master cylinder cover?

                Plus they don't look correct...IMHO.....Craig

                Comment

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