Rust in tank

[Willyclay]

Trying to save an old, portable steel tank with some, but not too bad, rust inside. I am planning to shake/vibrate some chain, ball bearings and BB's in it to knock off the loose rust. Any experiences and/or recommendations for coating the inside to minimize future rust formation without contaminating the fuel?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Rust in tank

After you beat the rust out of it, I hear there's a goop that motorcyclists use to recoat the inside of the tank to make it good again. Someone should post the name of it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Rust in tank

I play with old farm tractors. This is a common issue.

http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Tank-Sealers_c_7-1-0.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rust in tank

i have not used the KBS, but we got a good report from another member.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Rust in tank

Thanks for the responses. The KBS is a little pricey at $35.00 for my project. Talked with the small engine repair shop (lawn mowers, weedwackers, etc.) about how they handle the same problem. They have an "old guy like me" that comes by weekly and does the tanks for them. Will ask what coating he uses and report back!

 

[iwombat]

Re: Rust in tank

I've been using the tank-coating from restomotive for the last few bike projects. I'm pretty pleased, that stuff is bullet-proof.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Rust in tank

One method you can use is electrolysis. Remove the fill cap, and fuel pick-up cover from the tank. Hang a scrap steel rod in the tank between these two points suspended by wires. Use a piece of wood dowl under the wires so they can't touch the tank. Fill the tank with a solution of water, and Arm&Hammer washing soda, one talble spoon of soda per gal. of water. Hook the ground wire from a battery charger to the tank, the positive wire to one of the wires holding the rod in the tank. You will see the rust start to flow out the opening if the tank is clear full. For the inside rod, find the biggest that you can get thru the holes. I have used this method to save double line tanks. The fuel, and oil will save the tank from further rusting.

 

[Randyg123]

Re: Rust in tank

One method you can use is electrolysis. Remove the fill cap, and fuel pick-up cover from the tank. Hang a scrap steel rod in the tank between these two points suspended by wires. Use a piece of wood dowl under the wires so they can't touch the tank. Fill the tank with a solution of water, and Arm&Hammer washing soda, one talble spoon of soda per gal. of water. Hook the ground wire from a battery charger to the tank, the positive wire to one of the wires holding the rod in the tank. You will see the rust start to flow out the opening if the tank is clear full. For the inside rod, find the biggest that you can get thru the holes. I have used this method to save double line tanks. The fuel, and oil will save the tank from further rusting.

Woo-hoo!

See...that chemistry course you were forced to take finally paid off

Hope I still have my old tanks sitting around somewhere.
How long does this process take?
Preferred amp setting on charger?
I am wondering if my automatic-type charger might detect a fault doing this and just cut off.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Rust in tank

I just use a cheap 2-6 amp charger. it will draw about 2-4 amp. when hooked up. Usually over night will clean up the tank. The bigger the scrap piece of rod you can get into the tank, the better it will work. You should'nt be putting any more stress on the charger than you would charging a battery. I could'nt guess how many hours I've put on my charger doing this. I also use it for cleaning up old part's, or tool's. I use a Rubbermaid basket for this. You will find it sure beat's a wire brush, and sand papaer. The cost is almost nothing.