Gas Tank rehabilitation

[jsp_333 268]

I've got some gas tanks requiring different levels of restoration from filling pin holes to surface rust to chunks of rust.

Has anybody had success using the POR 15 products.

The sealer looks ideal for the pinholes but as for removing all the levels of rust I'm open to suggestions.

Appreciate the input.

[wallfish 17,023]

Surface rust - Fill with vinegar (the stronger acid content works faster but everyday vinegar works) and let it sit over night. Check it and repeat if necessary. You can use the same vinegar over. When done rinse with some baking soda in water to neutralize the acid. Best to use compressed air to blow dry it out. I've found a little bit of 2 stroke oil mixed with gas will coat it enough so it doesn't quickly flash rust.

If there are any rot through rust holes the vinegar will open those up so leave it sit in a larger container just in case it leaks.

 

Heavier rust - Fill with nuts bolts screws etc. ( I like sharp deck screws to scrape, plus they are always available here around the shop, truck and house) Shake it to scrape off the rust. Repeat as necessary. Then, some are possible to finish off with the vinegar acid bath as described above.

[Racinbob 11,115]

I highly recommend Red-Kote tank liner because I know it works and after many years it gives me no reason to think it's not permanent. But whatever you use cleaning is the key. I use several methods from what John does to solvents and others. The actual coating process takes no time but cleaning will take days. 

[gt14rider 765]

Red-kote works very good or Kreem's kit works well on small gas tanks,  preparation is the key, clean, rinse, clean rinse, air dry, had good results in the past.

[Lee1977 6,682]

The way you describe it sounds bad. You might want to do the bolt and  screw method first to see what you have. Might need to look for a good used tank.

[Wild Bill 633 847]

I have a gas tank currently out with minor surface rust. I tried vinegar overnight and it did not remove the rust. So, I have tried Evapo-Rust, and it did remove the rust overnight. I do not plan on adding liner.

Another method I have tried in the past is using BB shot to a tank and strapping it to the rear wheel of a tractor and drive around. A paint can shaker would also work good.

[jsp_333 268]

I had remarkable success with just the garden hose.

Blasted out all the bigger chunks and just left the surface rust to deal with.

Vinegar and baking soda took care of the rest.  Rinsed then Dish soap then  rinsed some more.  Dried with a hair dryer and immediately added the Por 15

 

It hasn't cured yet but I'm optimistic.   Once I got it out of the threads for the spigot (petcock).

Still got a couple more tanks to do.