Rebuilding pressure tank

[woodboathull]

I am rebuilding a 4 gal pressure tank and there is minor rust on the inside of the tank from sitting for a long time without fuel in it. Is there an easy way to scrub the rust out? I cant fit my fat hand down into the tank. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

Put some CLEAN gravel and light oil in there. Shake, rattle and roll. Rinse it out and do it over a few times. The gravel knocks off the loose rust. Rick

 

[woodboathull]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

Pea gravel? Sand? What size?

 

[kbait]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

A bunch of nuts and bolts will work fine.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

I've used 1/4"-3/8". I like the gravel because of the irregular sides, and it is a little abrasive. And when its all gunked up you can throw it out. Rick

 

[Goneflyin]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

I've used electrolysis on a couple of motorcycle tanks. I fiil the tank with water and a little Arm & Hammer washing soda stick a piece of steel or iron wire in the tank (not touching) hook a small battery charger to it, + on the wire and - on the tank. They'll foam iron oxide for a day or two. Do a google on it there's lots of info on the process. You still may have to rattle something in the tank a little but it takes off the rust without disturbing the parent metal.

 

[Sargent Skiff]

Re: Rebuilding pressure tank

Those tanks were heavily galvanized - be sure it's actually rust and not just premix residue. Carb cleaner's the answer.

If it is minor rust, consider a scotch pad on a stick to remove loose scale.

For heavier stuff, the clean pea-size gravel or nuts & bolts and plenty of elbow grease will work. You'll have arms like Aw-nold. I just put in a little water. You'll want to wash it out thoroughly with hot water and soap, anyway. Then dry completely and coat with a little 50% oil/gas mix.

Haven't tried the electrolysis - sounds interesting, though.

Sarge