Topic: Hot tank dipping, FAQ

[brandEn]

Can anyone help me out here.... What exactly is a hot tank dip solution and what does it do? I have read conflicting things about it. Does it remove rust? Will it remove paint? What about that POR-15 liner I just messed up?

[Kong]

It means a whole lot of different things to different people.  I have seen some which were actual solvent dip tanks - these are usually found at radiator shops.  On the other hand I have seen a lot more of them that were little more than enclosed batch type industrial dish washers, using nothing more than very high pressure water, detergent, and heat.  These second types are seen a lot more often at machine shoops.  The real dip types will remove paint, coatings, and just about anything else.   The washer types can also do a very good job, but more on the exposed surfaces than on interior areas (where the dip excels).  Locally I have both choices not too far from here and within a mile of each other, which is very lucky.  Look around and ask around.

[BLUE71TURBO]

 The hot tanks at the old machine shops used a type of " caustic acid " .  I don't know what they use now due to all
 the EPA restrictions. The cold tanks basically use a carb cleaner soulution.  You do not ever want to put aluminum
 parts in a regular hot tank. Your aluminum parts will disappear !  A hot tank with carb cleaner works great for aluminum.
 I have found that the " washer " cleaners with some types of soulutions will turn your aluminum parts grey. Always
 talk to the shop and make sure they will guarantee that will not happen.  

[HondaMan]

  I have found that the " washer " cleaners with some types of soulutions will turn your aluminum parts grey. Always talk to the shop and make sure they will guarantee that will not happen.   

I've found this happens mostly because on the pre-1973 engines it removes the varnish clearcoat: one the post-1973 engines it removes the paint. Lubritech makes an aluminum engine paint that, if applied evenly and thinly, works great on these engines and makes them look like the post-1973 showroom engines. Simichrome polish does a good job on the pre-1973 engines, but takes more time and elbow grease. 

[brandEn]

Thanks for the input guys. I found a local radiator shop that does some hot tank dipping. I was told it doesnt remove rust, just paint grease and dirt. The guy I spoke with seemed kinda clueless though.

[Really?]

Did mine twice with POR15, I guess I messed up the first time.  Messed up the paint on the outside stripping it the second time.  Hope you didn't let the others steps run down the driveway like I did, it gets expensive buying it a second time.  It is reusable.

I think Kit took hers to a radiator shop and wished she hadn't.  It stripped the tank a little too well she said.

[Kong]

I'd only make this comment as a sometimes painter.  If there is any kind of filler on the tank and it survives the cleaning process, I still would not trust it.  In fact I'd suggest that if you plan to dip a tank that you just go ahead and grind any filler out before you send the tank to be cleaned.  My thinking is that even if the bond is mechanically sound, as demonstrated by it holding up through the cleaning, I still would not want it under my paint job just because I'd have no idea what might or might not have soaked into the filler and what effect it might have on later finishing work.  That and you just never know what's under it.  It has been used to patch holes you know.

Just a suggestion ...

[Gaither]

Blue71 is RIGHT about ALUMINUM!!!!

FWIW

Years ago a buddy put a pair of expensive finned aluminum HC heads (flathead Ford) into an engine builder's "hot tank" (would remove anything - including paint). When he lifted the basket, all that was left was two small aluminum blobs!

Best to check it out first!