Electrolysis

[ch47dpilot]

Wondering if anyone has cleaned rust using electrolysis. I have a gas tank that's rusty on the inside. got a lot of info web but can't seem to find how much baking soda(seems to be the most popular) they mix in the water. I'm also wondering if instead of putting the gas tank in a container full of water just filling inside with water/soda mix. All the rust is on the inside so outside doesn't need cleaning. I'd use the sending unit hole to suspend a rod the length of tank and connect neg terminal to the tank itself. I've also seen people use vinegar to clean rust. Any other home tricks please let me know

 

[Just Bill]

Do a search on this site.
There are several postings on electrolysis.

 

[Brake Weight]

Gallon of water and a splash of muratic acid. Cover hole and shake vigorously. Pour out and flush with a water hose. Repeat as needed.

I've done this countless times on old 3 and 4 wheeler tanks that have set up. Gets the old 'varnish' fuel out as well as the rust from condensation.

 

[Skyco]

Evapo-rust.
http://www.evaporust.com/erusttest.html
2nd comment down.

http://www.evaporust.com/evaporust.html
About 1/3 of the way down about motorcycle gas tanks.

You don't have to completely fill the tank if you rotate it periodically.

 

[bobodu]

First... it's not baking soda...it's WASHING SODA. !!!!
Two different critters. And it doesn't take much I run about half a teaspoon per gallon. Just dump a little in.
I like the acid myself but I use a 50/50 mix or old acid that I have already use to clean other parts. You can also use lye but that's getting hard to find. Either way....seal it ASAP or it will rust right back up.

 

[ch47dpilot]

Bobodu, were do you get washing soda, I saw a Englishman use it on YouTube but thought that was English name for something else. I did see one person use baking soda, I figured that would be a US type product. What type acid, muriatic? With the acid do I fill it completely or just part. If part way will shaking/swirling be good enough or do I need to rotate it every so often. How long should I keep acid in it?

 

[Egon]

Google "Rust removal". Lots of information.

Muratic acid = a weak solution of Hydrochloric acid.

Phosphoric acid will also work and is the base for many of the Commercial Elixirs that remove rust.

Note: The solution Dairy Farms use to clean their milk lines with contains phosphoric acid, is easily obtainable and may be the cheapest solution.

 

[bobodu]

I buy my washing soda at Meijer ( don't know if there is one over your way though) and it is found by the powdered bleach in the detergent aisle. And it's made by Arm & Hammer too. A little google search shows it being sold at Ace Hardware store too. Also try Kroger. It looks like sodium carbonate ( NOT BI-carbonate) is also used to raise swimming pool ph so it may be found in pool supply places.

 

[djradz]

Yep - washing soda. Found it with the Borax and other powdered cleaners and softening mixes in the grocery store.

Used it to clean an old rear blade after getting it somewhat apart. Now, I'm going to try it to clean out some old 100 lb propane tanks. I'll be setting the tanks up by filling with the mix-solution and then placing a large steel (rebar) rod down the center but insulated from the bottom of the tank and neck. Negative lead of charger connected to the tank and Positive to the rod.

Probably easier to find information on the Web by searching for "electrolytic rust removal".