Bead blasting transmission gears

Very interesting to learn this. Often heard the term but know I know more about it.

It's a real thing.
Hydrogen embrittlement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Yeah, I was intrigued by that comment

So is it that acid has the high hydrogens that would cause this and why would heating them remove that? Would washing with water thoroughly do that as well?

After reading the above wiki link..
This is why there are low hydrogen welling rods for arc welding.

 

Washing it will not do it, my understanding is that when using electrolysis the bubbles only penetrate shallowly so heating it forces the moisture out carries the hydrogen with it.

 

Well, I did the electrolysis over the weekend and had good results. I also tried the Evapo-Rust and also had great results. The case cleaned up nice in the tank. I dropped the gears in the Evapo overnight and they looked great in the morning. Would reccomend both ways of doing it. Can't wait to try it on something real rusty and see what happens

 

Should this be done with any part that has been cleaned by electrolysis, like maybe an exhaust manifold or perhaps a transmission case or, only with parts that have hardened surfaces? I would think it's a good idea with any part but, I'm wrong a lot.

My kitchen won't blow up by baking the hydrogen out will it? Woof! Visions of the Hindenburg dance in my mind.............and nasty tasting frozen pizza.

 

I only do it on parts that are put under load or stressed. I have done lots of parts but only put 2-3 in the oven, one was a transmission part the others were just junk parts that were stressed.