How to clean a slightly rusty solenoid?
#1
02-22-15, 07:46 PM
How to clean a slightly rusty solenoid?
Hi,
not exactly sure where to post this?
Pulled a simple solenoid off of a dishwasher that is a bit rusty but still works.
Wondering if cleaning it as simple as using some rust remover, something else perhaps? Flushing with water & using compressed air to dry.
I had thought it might be in need of a little emery cloth. Would that be unwise?
thank you,
rich
Edit: hit with the Dremel wire brush seemed to do a pretty good polish job. Of course cleaning down in the magnet another story. Might give vinegar a shot.
not exactly sure where to post this?
Pulled a simple solenoid off of a dishwasher that is a bit rusty but still works.
Wondering if cleaning it as simple as using some rust remover, something else perhaps? Flushing with water & using compressed air to dry.
I had thought it might be in need of a little emery cloth. Would that be unwise?
thank you,
rich
Edit: hit with the Dremel wire brush seemed to do a pretty good polish job. Of course cleaning down in the magnet another story. Might give vinegar a shot.
Last edited by whatisit; 02-22-15 at 08:46 PM.
#4
02-23-15, 09:26 AM
Group Moderator
Emery cloth would be the end of the solenoid.
The plunger is usually chrome plated. Once the chrome is gone or pitted it's hard to repair it. Liquid rust removers can work. Anything that scratches or scores the plunger is bad. When finished cleaning you can use a silicone as lubricant but not oil. The oil will gum and hold the dust.
The plunger is usually chrome plated. Once the chrome is gone or pitted it's hard to repair it. Liquid rust removers can work. Anything that scratches or scores the plunger is bad. When finished cleaning you can use a silicone as lubricant but not oil. The oil will gum and hold the dust.
#5
02-23-15, 09:46 AM
The plunger is usually chrome plated. Once the chrome is gone or pitted it's hard to repair it.
Here's a pic after I used the Dremel wire brush to buff it. What do you think? it was working with rust on it.
Last edited by whatisit; 02-23-15 at 10:00 AM. Reason: More Info
#6
02-23-15, 10:25 AM
Group Moderator
Put a thin spray of silicone on it. You need to keep it from further rusting.
Once the plating is gone it rusts easily.
Worst comes to worst..... the solenoid and plunger are replaceable. WD21X802
Once the plating is gone it rusts easily.
Worst comes to worst..... the solenoid and plunger are replaceable. WD21X802
#8
02-24-15, 05:07 AM
After you sand off all of the rust (bringing the plunger back to its original thickness) it should work for a long time provided it does not get wet so as to cause swelling again due to more rust.
