Rust in a fuel tank

[ch1ch2]

Timely post for me.
I too have a rusty diesel fuel tank. I have used the stuff on a motorcycle tank and it worked well. I was looking for some to do my tractor and read that most products do not work well with diesel.
I have been holding off until I could get more information.

You did not say if your tank is gas or diesel. I am guessing diesel.
Most replies here seem to referencing gas tanks.

I know no one here wants to give you bad information.

I think it might be very important to know which type fuel tank you are asking about and very important for those responding to specify which in their response.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Yeah, that is my concern. Lots of gas tanks but no diesel. I assume Gas is more caustic than diesel but what do I know. Nothing I guess cause I have to ask ;-)

EDIT - Just called POR and they said that POR-15 works well with Diesel. Just ordered a prep kit on amazon. Crossing fingers and toes.

 

[ch1ch2]

After having posted earlier, I spent more time reading other forums and some venders web sites.
I found a few guys saying they just cleaned the rust out and did not add anything to seal.

I think I will try just cleaning the rust out with ideas posted here and see how long it takes for rust to reform. I am kind of tight with my money, I will do the work several times rather than spend my money. Of course, I am retired and have more time than money.

I think I will put sheet rock screws and chain in the tank and see if I can make the inside shine. I think I can get everything out with a magnet an a shop vac.

 

[JRobyn]

These guys are often used and well-respected in the motorcycle world.

Gas Tank Sealer - Caswell Inc

Note how they advertise it is suitable to repair failed Kreem or POR-15 seal jobs!

 

[MossRoad]

Not a problem. Use a piece of 3/8" rebar and bend as needed. Secure it outside the tank instead of just hanging it. It might take a bit longer, but it will get the job done.

That's got to be a lot easier than shaking a bunch of metal around inside.

Good idea about bending it and securing from the outside. Thanks.

 

[stuckmotor]

Use the Google search at top of page for best results. But I don't know how to make it sort by date or just thread title which would be handy.

My results: Search Results | Compact tractor forums, news, reviews, information.

Prichard,
I can't thank you enough. The one I was looking for was among your results. JD1070 - Is Diesel corrosive?? Why is my fuel cap all corroded?? I think I was searching with the word "rust" didn't think to use "corrosive". The reply where sisupower talks about $6000.00 worth of parts and labor to repair the damage caused by the corrosion has me worried.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Diesel is not "corrosive". It is a solvent that will attack many materials, but it is not corrosive.

Water in diesel will certainly corrode a metal tank, but it's the water, not the diesel.

 

[Egon]

If there is any sulfer in he diesel it will also help corrosion.

 

[rrrkkk]

POR 15 (PAINT OVER RUST) their gas tank consists of using an acid then a neutralizer then a sealant I have done it to old Fords N9 and Jubilee both over 10 years ago both still running and tanks are extremely clean inside.
Check out their website. THEIR STUFF WORKS!

 

[silvertramp]

I used Kreem on a motorcycle tank years ago. It was a disaster. It peeled off, making my problems worse. Rigorous prep is essential with that product. I'd go with POR-15.

 

[woodlandfarms]

So I got off the phone with the factory, discussing a different issue. They informed me that I should cut the tank open. That my design (the closed design) has changed and now the new tanks have a bolted on lid so that it can be removed and cleaned.

 

[TractorGuy]

My backhoe had the fuel system clogged with rust when I got it. The tank was just rusty on the bottom. I cleaned it out with a pressure washer and put a mixture of 50% water, 50% vinegar in it and let it sit a day or so. Washed it out with the pressure washer again and dried it out with a heat gun. I added a small engine fuel filter on the supply line so I could monitor if it got more rust and had to change that once or twice but no problems since.

Before

After

 

[aczlan]

My backhoe had the fuel system clogged with rust when I got it. The tank was just rusty on the bottom. I cleaned it out with a pressure washer and put a mixture of 50% water, 50% vinegar in it and let it sit a day or so. Washed it out with the pressure washer again and dried it out with a heat gun. I added a small engine fuel filter on the supply line so I could monitor if it got more rust and had to change that once or twice but no problems since.

Before View attachment 496324

After View attachment 496325

Amazon sells a 45degree angle adapter for pressure washers that works well, it quick connects between the wand and the nozzle.
That might make it easier to get around and into the corners.

Aaron Z