I know this has been covered in the past. But apparently I wasn't paying attention at the time. What is the best way to get rust out of a fuel tank?
mike
72 500 fuel tank
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400brian
- Posts: 5626
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:00 am
- Real Name: James T. Kirk
- Location: South Central Wisconsin
72 500 fuel tank
On a '72 400 tank I cleaned that had been sitting half full of fuel for 20 years, it took two treatments of EZ-OFF to get the tar-like fuel residue out, then several days of acid soak to get the rust cleaned out. A phosphoric acid used as a dairy equipment cleaner was used, check farm stores such as Fleet Farm, or Tractor Supply.
When the rust has been removed, drain the acid and flush the tank with a little diesel fuel. If you flush an acid treated tank with water then dry, it will oxidize ( rust ) almost instantly! Drain the diesel and coat the inside of the tank with some light oil, or 2 stroke oil to prevent rusting if you are not going to be putting it in service right away.
When the rust has been removed, drain the acid and flush the tank with a little diesel fuel. If you flush an acid treated tank with water then dry, it will oxidize ( rust ) almost instantly! Drain the diesel and coat the inside of the tank with some light oil, or 2 stroke oil to prevent rusting if you are not going to be putting it in service right away.
'09 Vintage Challenge Survivor, and I wasn't late for supper!
'10, '11, '12, '13,'14,'15,'16,'17, '18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Vintage Challenge Survivor !
72 400 restored, Father bought new in '71
73 X8 restored
'74 340 green machine
'74 X8 9 time VC finisher
'78 Spitfire in progress
2 '75 340S 1 running, one on deck
'78 LF 440 future CC clone
'73 Skiroule RTX 440, 500 mi.
72 500 fuel tank
Thankyou Brian.
Now is there anybody willing to come down to Iowa and help with the rear suspension?
Mike
Now is there anybody willing to come down to Iowa and help with the rear suspension?
Mike
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HoosierDeereMan
- Posts: 1089
- Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:00 am
- Real Name: Troy Miley
- Location: Oakland City, IN
72 500 fuel tank
The tank in my '73 400 was really bad. There was guy who runs a radiator repair shop a few towns away. He also repairs gas tanks. As Brian mentioned he used some kind of acid to clean the inside. Once clean he used what I'm assuming is an epoxy coating on the inside of the tank. It is red in color. Guaranteed not to rust. Its been 7 or 8 years now and no problems so far. Don't remember for sure the price but it was well worth it.
If you have a cycle shop close there used to be a product called "Kreem". There are two parts to it. 1st part was the eching acid to clean the tank. 2nd part was the epoxy coating to seal the tank. I've used it before to and it works well.
If the metal tank is totally trashed, you can install the larger plastic tank. Yes, it will fit. Just make sure to use the straps that came with the plastic tank because they are longer. The two drawbacks are that you will now have to raise the hood to fill it and you will have to notch the underside of the headlight grill so it will fully close.
If you have a cycle shop close there used to be a product called "Kreem". There are two parts to it. 1st part was the eching acid to clean the tank. 2nd part was the epoxy coating to seal the tank. I've used it before to and it works well.
If the metal tank is totally trashed, you can install the larger plastic tank. Yes, it will fit. Just make sure to use the straps that came with the plastic tank because they are longer. The two drawbacks are that you will now have to raise the hood to fill it and you will have to notch the underside of the headlight grill so it will fully close.
'72 400
'73 400, (2)500's, 600
'74 295/S (restored) 2010 HOF poker run survivor.
'75 800, JDX8,
'75 340/S 2011 & 2012 Vintage Challenge finisher.
'76 (2)400's
'78 Liquifire 340,440
'79 Spitfire
"If it has Tits, Tires, or Tracks it's gonna cost you money!"
'73 400, (2)500's, 600
'74 295/S (restored) 2010 HOF poker run survivor.
'75 800, JDX8,
'75 340/S 2011 & 2012 Vintage Challenge finisher.
'76 (2)400's
'78 Liquifire 340,440
'79 Spitfire
"If it has Tits, Tires, or Tracks it's gonna cost you money!"
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Rodimus Prime
- Posts: 738
- Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2005 12:00 am
72 500 fuel tank
home remidy for metal tanks put in easy off oven cleaner and chain rattle around a bunch of times repeat as nessary. IF using the Phosipric acid flush as above but fill tank afterwards with Atf fluid and leave bake for a few days this leaves a oil in metal that prevents rust buildup.