Best way to clean rust from my fuel tank

[Sean2202]

Thanks for the replies, after cleaning the flakes off of the bottom I noticed there is now a pin hole leak. Thinking of trying Red-Kote listed above from @fatjay. Has anyone here used that product with success? Is there any products that I could apply to the outside of the tank where the pitting indentations are? Such as like a fuel resistant JB weld or plastic cement. There isn't alot but I fear there may be more leaks ahead. A new tank is $640.

 

[DEWFPO]

Thanks for the replies, after cleaning the flakes off of the bottom I noticed there is now a pin hole leak. Thinking of trying Red-Kote listed above from @fatjay. Has anyone here used that product with success? Is there any products that I could apply to the outside of the tank where the pitting indentations are? Such as like a fuel resistant JB weld or plastic cement. There isn't alot but I fear there may be more leaks ahead. A new tank is $640.

After sealing the inside of the tank with something like Red-Kote, I would definitely use something like POR-15 to seal the outside of the tank and to prevent further corrosion. The stuff really works.

DEWFPO

 

[ultrarunner]

My go-to isn't compatible with ethanol... it did everything you want and did it well... did maybe 50 tanks from antique cars, motorcycles, mowers etc...

I will ask around to see what the new go to product is.

 

[TractorGuy]

I cleaned my backhoe tank by soaking with 50% vinegar and water.

A radiator shop I used to use said they cleaned gas tanks out with Tide laundry detergent before welding on them. Claimed it was the only thing they tried that kept them from woofing when the flame hit.

 

[radios1]

the tank could last forever if you have it bronzed inside and out..

 

[mike48130]

Evapo-rust like said above. It's basicall phosphoric acid I think. The same as stip-ease. It leaves a protective etch on the metal after so you don't get the flash rust like with many acids.

The HD toilet bowl cleaners are acid as well, but it will flash rust after.

 

[radios1]

Evapo-rust like said above. It's basicall phosphoric acid I think. The same as stip-ease. It leaves a protective etch on the metal after so you don't get the flash rust like with many acids.

The HD toilet bowl cleaners are acid as well, but it will flash rust after.

toilet bowl cleaners may seem to be acid, but they are strong alkalines like lye..

 

[farmalldx33]

In the past I have drained the fuel tank and let it sit dry. Then used a shop vac and suck out anything left in the tank. It worked quite well.

 

[Al 2]

Do as Fidowwanttobe suggested. Strap it to to a cement mixer. He used nuts and bolts to clean the inside. I just used road gravel . Worked great on the one did. To repair the hole, weld it after cleaning . Shouldn't be a safety concern at this point.
Al

 

[radios1]

you can cover the tank with epoxy resin fiberglass and not have to worry about leaks anymore..