Rusty Gas Tank

[FastOldGuy]

Has anyone here ever cleaned a rusty gas tank. I need to clean the rusted inside of a vintage outboard gas tank. I'm trying the electrolysis method. I first cleaned it with purple power and a high pressure sprayer. Then I sealed and screwed a plastic shoebox to the top of the tank so I could fill the tank 110% with water and arm and hammer washing soda so I can get the whole tank. I have a piece of rebar for an anode. I have a battery charger hooked to the tank and it anode. Its bubbling and rust is coming up. Seems to be working. If you have cleaned a rusted tank before what method did you do?

[BigTyla]

I saw a Muscle Car episode yesterday where they used some sort of cleaning product. They poured it in the tank, sloshed it around, and let it sit for awhile. Then they poured it out and let it dry. Afterward, they used a product that seals the interior of the tank and prevents rust, sloshing it around in the same manner.

[Ninja Performance]

I saw a Muscle Car episode yesterday where they used some sort of cleaning product. They poured it in the tank, sloshed it around, and let it sit for awhile. Then they poured it out and let it dry. Afterward, they used a product that seals the interior of the tank and prevents rust, sloshing it around in the same manner.

I used that stuff in one of the 58 TR3As I restored. Worked like a champ. 15 years later and I still have a pair of pliers with a splash of the white 2nd stop liquid that got on them. Strong stuff.

-Chris

[FastOldGuy]

The electrolysis is still working I have to remove the anode and wire brush the crap off it a couple of times a day. I have changed the water too. The screws that I screwed the shoe box down with were rusted and they are clean now so I guess its working. Interesting

[j2k4]

That's taking genuine pains to preserve a tank, for sure.

I've done other parts in a tank, but I've never done a tank.

Wonder how long it'll take?

Interesting, indeed.

[FastOldGuy]

That's taking genuine pains to preserve a tank, for sure.

I've done other parts in a tank, but I've never done a tank.

Wonder how long it'll take?

Interesting, indeed.

At this rate I think 3-4 days should do it. It was much cleaner this morning but still needs more. The anode had 3/8 in layer of gunk on it before I cleaned and replaced it this morning.

[j2k4]

At this rate I think 3-4 days should do it. It was much cleaner this morning but still needs more. The anode had 3/8 in layer of gunk on it before I cleaned and replaced it this morning.

Egad.

Subscribed, for sure.

[Street_Chally73]

Though I've never personally tried it, I have been told this one works quite well...
Gas Tank Sealer Kit For Cars - Fuel Tank Sealer - Auto Fuel Tanks - Eastwood

[Ninja Performance]

Though I've never personally tried it, I have been told this one works quite well...
Gas Tank Sealer Kit For Cars - Fuel Tank Sealer - Auto Fuel Tanks - Eastwood

That is what I used that still is on a pair of my pliers from 15+ years ago.

-Chris

[FastOldGuy]

This is what the anode looked like this morning. It looked better than yesterday but there is still a lot of rust sediment in the bottom of the plastic shoe box. the reaction seems to be slowing down. It speeds up when I wire wheel the rebar then replace it. It is definitely working. I wonder if I could hang a piece of zinc in the tank and reverse the charge with neg on the zinc and positive on the tank and electro plate the inside to make it more rust resistant?