Can I salvage an older Diesel tank

[felixedo]

I have an older steel diesel tranfer tank. About 100 gallons. I have some serious scale and rust issues going on inside, to the point where the filter clogs pretty fast. Is there a simple / low-cost way to clean this tank out, or is it trash? I really hate to have to replace it if I don't have to.

 

[Birdhunter1]

What I would try is to throw some rocks in and take a pressure washer and stick it in there and make everything rattle, shake and move and keep draining it out until it drains clean then let it air dry a week for the water to get out see what happens.
Free solution (other than time, water and pressure washer fuel) that might work, might not, but new transfer tanks are expensive.

 

[90cummins]

I also had a 275 that was rusty inside so I added 4~5 Gallons of diesel and some clean stones/rocks & strapped it to my tractor & gave it a rough ride swerving side to side then flipped to the tank to do it again.
I drained the tank & rinsed with water then used 5 gallons of diesel to rinse it recycling the diesel thru a filter until I was satisfied with the inside condition.

 

[ScipioUSA]

I have an older steel diesel tranfer tank. About 100 gallons. I have some serious scale and rust issues going on inside, to the point where the filter clogs pretty fast. Is there a simple / low-cost way to clean this tank out, or is it trash? I really hate to have to replace it if I don't have to.

What physical shape is it? Round? Square?

You could put some water or junky fuel in there along with some random nuts and bolts and rock it around or drive with it for a while. Then you can drain the scale and use a magnet to get the stuff back out ....

 

[nyone]

If this 100gal tank can be replaced with a good used 275gal I wouldnt bother trying to fix it.

I have used a battery charger to clean the inside of a rusty tank. It does take some work but is doable.

 

[nyone]

What I would try is to throw some rocks

Dont use rocks or nuts/bolts. Use a piece of chain. This way when you get one piece out you get them all out.

 

[felixedo]

Thanks all! Looks like my tank is going for a ride!

 

[90cummins]

Dont use rocks or nuts/bolts. Use a piece of chain. This way when you get one piece out you get them all out.

I like the chain idea!!
90cummins

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Chain! A just in time idea. I let you know the results.

 

[Fallon]

I've seen people ratchet strap the tank to a tractor rear tire. Drive around or jack it up off the ground if you cant get clearance between the nank & ground. Fill with chain or whatever before you tumble it. Industrial sized rock tumbler.