Ultrasonic cleaning

[urbanus]

I was going to add something to an old post on ultrasonic bath cleaning however when I started my reply the forum software gave me a gentle prod that it was an old thread (and therefore no body was going to look at it I expect - although I did so so much for software!) and I should consider starting a new thread.  I duly did and therefore have.

Anyway, to the point.  When I picked up my 1400 I had given the bike a good going over for obvious issues (found none) but stupidly, because I already had such a woody for the bike, I didn't look in the tank.  When I actually opened it up I nearly sh£t myself, I have never seen rust like it it.  I mentioned in a previous moan that my brother in law (owner of the bike) must have had an unusual pang of guilt, which I find strange because he's normally hard as nails - must be an age thing - and gave me a shiny German made ultrasonic cleaner c/w chemicals for water based and solvent based cleaning.  When I got the bike home I proceeded to strip tank components and empty Lidls shelves of white vinegar or vinegar blanc as they say round these parts.  Normally its at 5% or 10% concentration but this being France it was at 8%.  Whilst I was busy pickling the inside of the tank I popped out the pump and fuel sender.  See the picture of the fuel pump below.  Bear in mind this bike has done a genuine 4500kms.

[urbanus]

I replaced the actual pump for obvious reasons but just the pump, the rest, clips hp filter valve etc. is all the original.  After 30m in the ultrasonic cleaner, this was the result - not wire brushing, rubbing or any other faffing about, just rinsed and re-assembled.

[Globalrider]

So what was your receipt for the Ultrasonic cleaning fluid?
Tks

[Speedy1959]

I 2nd Globalriders question..
Do give us the recipe..

[GSXKING]

An excellent result 👍👍 let us know how it runs now. Listen for a high pitched squeal 👂👂👂

[urbanus]

Ref:GSXKING
I can only do short runs at the moment (like 500m!) because I am waiting for the French Administration system to issue me a number plate - this can take a while here, French Administration  is notoriously French
So far she sounds fine, no nasty noises at all, what is the noise you refer to, I take it its not a good noise
Ref: Speedy et al:  I will ask my brother in law, he's a chemist who specialises in industrial cleaning systems. Don't be surprised if he just shrugs and rolls his eyes though, he isn't the most communicative bloke I ever met 

[Irish in Oz]

I some times use a solution of phosphoric acid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank.

[urbanus]

He gave me two 5L containers with some sort of concentrate he has cooked up, one for stuff that I want to de-rust (its some sort of acid base) and one that's just for cleaning (water based).  I mix 1 at 3% and the other at 3 to 5% depending on the rust.  The ultrasonic bath runs for 30 minutes and it sorted.  He hasn't divulge the recipes yet, I'm working on him!

[VladTepes]

ultrasonic cleaners are awesome.