quote:
5.3 Corrosion Study
Two sets of complete roller bearing assemblies and individual split bearings were used as a test for corrosion. A used bearing assembly (race and tapered roller bearing) from a rebuilt differential was soaked in Lube Control to remove old deposits and films. After the soaking and wiping with a clean cloth, the bearing appeared almost unused. The bearing assemblies were then immersed in naphtha to remove any traces of heavier hydrocarbons and subsequently dried. The assembly was then heated with a torch to 500 F and then dropped into a bucket containing a solution of saturated salt water and 20-18-12 fertilizer. While the bearing assemblies were soaking in the saturated salt water solution, the split bearings were being prepared for the salt bath as well. The split bearings were rod bearings from a 350 cu. in. Chevy Small Block engine. The split bearing had a steel base and a layer of aluminum overlay with a copper-lead alloy coating. A 1” wide strip was scraped of overlay coating exposing the base metal. After being rinsed with naphtha, this bearing was prepared as above and dropped into the salt solution.
The bearings were left in the salt solution for three days. They were allowed to dry for one day forming crusty corrosion deposits and rust. They were then placed into separate buckets containing Fuel Power (full strength) and Lube Control (250 mL of Lube Control to 1.0 L of SAE 20W20 API rated SA mineral oil. The Lube Control completely removed all crustations and rust in less than one day, with the deposits falling to the bottom of the bucket, and the bearings receiving a coating of protective oil from the Lube Control. The Fuel Power took three days to completely remove the rust and deposits. Fuel Power also coated the bearings with a thinner coat of oil. Both products appear to be effective in removing rust and protecting from further corrosion.
