Advise regarding fuel tank

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:32 pm

So ROBCDN3 invited me along to a barn find. Nice guy and I think we had a rather interesting morning digging out jeep bits. Anyways we both picked up a few part one of mine was this fuel tank.

and after looking in this neck I figured I would have to refloor it.

but then I pulled the pickup and sender cover and found this

so the question is, two fold, is this actualy the correct tank and what is the best way to get rid of the rust?

Dirtryder · Post by **Dirtryder** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 5:08 pm

My M38 tank wasn't quite that bad but I had it sand blasted, repaired and lined on the inside at a place in Toronto called Gas Tank Exchange.
http://gastankexchange.com/products-services/
It wasn't cheap but it meant I could keep the original tank and cheaper than a reproduction tank.

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 6:34 pm

Do a search for "electrolytic rust removal" or look into a product called "EvapoRust"

Personally, I'd avoid sandblasting. Aside from it's potentially aggressive nature, there remains the risk of any residual abrasive and entrapped particles remaining in the tank and migrating through your fuel system.

Regardless of your adopted method, a good post boil-out at a radiator shop or pressure wash will aid removal of any de-rusting residue prior to immediate service or re-plating.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:02 pm

I went the molasses route. I know it sounds stupid but it did a very good job It takes a while but it is very inexpensive. U-Tube has several videos on it. After I got it clean I used a red tank sealer from O-Reillys and I am very pleased with the results.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:59 am

I have used evapo-rust and read about the other two. A lot of the rust in the pictures is not visible to the naked eye, even the crusty stuff near the inlet looks to be more surface. I may have to give the molasses one a try though, it does sound the least expensive way to go. Thanks guys.

Oh does anyone have the dimensions for the strap that should be attached to the tank, it has a mark in the spot it should be but no strap.

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:15 am

The molasses works well for the $. check your local feed stores for dry livestock grade molasses.... The avg price for a 50# bag @ $25.00 US

The trick with molasses and Evaporust is heat. Heating the solution will accelerate the process of rust removal.

good luck.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:24 am

I got my molasses at my local farm and livestock feed supplier. It is the type they use to mix with their feed. I paid about $1.50 a gallon. They will probably have it in a large bulk tank so you will need to take a couple empty gallon paints cans, a 5 gallon bucket. Anything with a large mouth. After I soaked my tank I rinsed it good then poured in about another gallon and then I added about a half gallon of "pea" gravel. I then mounted it to a jig on my concrete mixer and let it spin for about 30 minutes. It took a while to get all the gravel out but it turned out really good at little expense just a little time consuming. [ I can already see guys laughing and pointing fingers at Me in the background.]

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:38 am

We used the tumbling with pea gravel or river stone for our steel dirt bike tanks years ago. It works with just any plain solvent quite well.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:52 am

One mistake I made with the pea gravel is that I should have screened out the smaller particles. Some of the smaller stuff got trapped in the tight areas and was a bear to get out.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:05 am

That's why we usually use smooth river stones.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:28 pm

Wes, I agree. We all have to live and learn.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:40 am

The gravel actually makes a good deal of sense. No mixer though.

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 4:02 pm

Rent one for the weekend...

I am thinking along the same lines...I have a tank that needs cleaning...

Also small clean gravel is available at anyplace that sells aquariums (same stuff used in the bottom of tanks)

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 4:29 pm

Not to over-think this, but why not?

Rent a robust concrete or surface mount vibrator and clamp the gas tank that is filled with the river stones and solution of choice. Turn on the switch ...have a beer, or two or three ...rotate the tank...proceed to beer.......repeat.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:30 pm

That is not a bad idea... have to look into a rental unit.

maybe even get some concrete to patch the floor in my shop, with lots of contractor white glue in it (secret of the concrete trade)