Diesel tank cleaning help

[sawtooth]

I have two Ford tractors one that’s a 2810 and another that’s a 3910. Both are full of what looks like rust scale that flakes off and sits in bottom of the tank. The tanks are very hard to remove because of age. Is there away to clean these properly? I tried white vinegar with limited results. I also tried muriatic acid again with limited results. Someone mentioned steam cleaning. Thoughts?

Other ideas? In the future I will keep the tanks full but live and learn I guess.

Thanks,

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[Jimbo16720]

Well the best way I found was small rocks to break the scale up. The only problem is once they start rusting it's really hard to stop them. My old International 464 has that problem and I cleaned it a couple times and it comes right back. I'm going to find a different tank to mount on it. Doesn't matter what kind, I can make mounts for it.

 

[sawtooth]

Yeah that’s what I’m worried about too.

 

[Richard]

Don't know that this would help at all....but I once cleaned out the fuel tank on my JCB backhoe/loader. It had a drain bung on the bottom of tank, I drained tank, left bung off. I took a pressure washer and blew the smithereens out from the tank as best I could, letting the contents drain out the bung.

When done, I took a garden pressure sprayer, filled it with diesel and used it to "wash" out the inside with diesel, again, letting the fluid drain out the bottom (had a catch bucket under there).

Replaced bung, filled with diesel and I don't think I've had an issue since having done this (which was probably pushing 20 years ago)

 

[sawtooth]

That’s a good point and it may depend on what’s in the tank I’m not sure? But a friend of mine wants to use a steam cleaner and pressure wash. I’m gonna talk to him about it today. Thanks

 

[TractorTech]

They are time consuming to remove, but other than removing the steering wheel, which can be difficult even with the right puller, it might be worth the time to clean and seal with something like the following:

https://www.amazon.com/KBS-Coatings-5400-Standard-Sealer/dp/B00DMIEG9S/ref=asc_df_B00DMIEG9S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242667734520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=135496598126599147&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031506&hvtargid=pla-574681876292&th=1

 

[loggin]

Might be easier and maybe even cheaper just to replace the tank..?? Here is a link for a new tank for $144.

Just a thought.

Fuel Tank fits Ford 3910 4140 2310 3120 231 531 3900 2910 3100 233 3310 3000 2810 4600 2600 333 3300 3610 3150 2610 4110 2000 3600 C5NN9002AC

Fuel Tank for Ford Tractor(s) 2000, 2310, 2600, 2610, 2810, 2910, 3000, 3100, 3120, 3150, 3300, 3310, 3600, 3610, 3900, 3910, 4110, 4600, Construction & Industrial(s) 231, 233, 333, 531, 4140. Replaces Ford OEM nos C5NN9002AC, E3NN9002AB.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

 

[hslogger]

I had a Massy Gasser a long time ago with a crappy tank. I pulled it, ran gravel in it and tossed the heck out of it. Emptied it, douched it out best I could, Dried it and filled it with gas and went for it. I cleaned my glass bowl filter OFTEN and kept the tank filled almost always and had good luck with it. I think if I had the money at the time I would have just stuck a new tank in it.

 

[Dftodd]

I steam clean questionable fuel tanks at work.

I'll get a floor jack or two out there, so I jack and angle the equipment so everything runs towards the drain.

Once finished, I use a rag and sop up any remaining water inside the tank. (Sometimes you have to get creative)

Then, fill with fresh fuel and treat with a fungicide.

I just had to drain and clean a fuel system last week where a customer added about 30 gallons of gasoline to a 120 gallon fuel tank

 

[sawtooth]

Ok great info. The lifting to angle the tank is a great idea. Thanks

 

[sawtooth]

I think a new tank is the best way to go but I’m gonna try the acid first followed with steam cleaning or vice versa.

 

[JethroB]

Just this past week I replaced the fuel tank on my 48 yo MF 135. The inside looked like the OP’s. Rust scale and black muck. The new tank from Cross Creek Tractors cost about $200. Don’t wait too long to address the issue or it can destroy the primary fuel pump AND injector pump. Please don’t ask me how I know. $$$

 

[fuchifarm]

Going through this right now with my MF 1240. I drained the tank and pressure washed the inside as best I could through the fill cap. Got a gallon of 30% white vinegar, diluted with 1 gallon of water and poured it in. Almost immediately I had pin hole leaks in 3 spots.

I had to jack the back up and remove both wheels and rops to remove the tank. Once the tank was off the tractor I was able to get the fuel gauge sender off and that opened up a new avenue for the pressure washer. Between the vinegar and pressure washing it did a decent job cleaning it up.

I ordered the KBS kit which is supposed to arrive Wed. A new tank is almost $700. Spent $50 on the sealant kit. Found a coupon for 12%off. Hopefully by the end of next weekend I'll have it put back together. Fingers crossed the sealer works and holds up for many years.

 

[fuchifarm]

I finally got the kit yesterday. I am going to start the process of cleaning the tank and prepping it. What I have learned is the kit is a reasonable value. While you can source the cleaner and rustblast as generic chemicals the cost of small quantity wont net any real savings.
The KBS Klean is essentially:
3% potassium hydroxide - caustic potash aka lye
1% 2-Butoethanol - a degreaser
I think you would do just fine using a quart to gallon of 3% lye solution depending on size of tank with some lose nuts or coins to shake and roll around.

The KBS Rust blast is just 10% phosphoric acid that should be diluted to 5% with warm water. You can buy 15% food grade phosphoric acid on amazon. There are tile/grout cleaners that are phosphoric acid but they also add hydrochloric acid which is bad for metal. 10-15% acetic acid (white vinegar) will clean just as well in my opinion but it will not leave the phosphated surface which inhibits rust growth.

So if you are going to seal the tank might as well use the kit. They also sell a putty mix for larger holes. Just buy the jbweld epoxy putty steelstik instead. Or you can use the fuel tank jbweld kit that includes sandpaper and mesh.

I will try and take pictures of the tank after each step and post them.

 

[JethroB]

Yes keep us updated. As stated before I replaced my tank with new, but adding in labor of a diesel shop doubled the cost. good luck.

 

[nyone]

If your going to put something in the tank to physically get the rust off use a piece of chain. It acts like gravel/nuts and bolts but if you get one piece out you get them all out.

I have used those gas tank sealers before with good results. You should also try to use electrolysis to clean it after the big junk is gone.

 

[JethroB]

If your going to put something in the tank to physically get the rust off use a piece of chain. It acts like gravel/nuts and bolts but if you get one piece out you get them all out.

I have used those gas tank sealers before with good results. You should also try to use electrolysis to clean it after the big junk is gone.

I’ve seen or heard of then attaching the tank to a drum concrete mixer or rear tractor tire to aggitate. Nearby neighbors may not be to happy with the noise.