The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Gas tank refurb

Can someone direct me to any previous thread discussing how to refurbish your cab mounted gas tank? Specifically, how can I clean the inside? I've heard some reccomend hydrochloric acid, but then others discourage it's use saying it causes flash rust later on. I've been using phosphoric acid this week on rusted bolts with very good results and wonder why I couldn't pour a gallon of that in and let it sit overnight? Seems it would neutralize any rust inside and not be as caustic as hydrochloric.

I have no major rust, leaks or pin holes to deal with. Tank is in great shape. Any suggestions on how to take care of the inside while I have it out would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Spot

We used to clean saddle tanks with rubbing alcohol. It removes the varnish doesn't really damage anything else. We used to buy alcohol in 5 gallon cans and injected it into the air system as an airline anti freeze.

Just to the right of the "Active Topics" link above is the "Search" link. Putting Gas Tank in the search box will yield hours of reading. FYI if you use any type of acid in your tank you will need to coat the inside of the tank to prevent rusting.

There is a product out there called Cream. It is a kit that has an acid etcher and a white milkey substance that seales the tank on the inside. I have used this stuff and it works. Follow the instructions to the letter (NO SHORT CUTS) and it works well. I went a step further than the instructions say by putting a good solvent like varsol and some glass fishtank beads inside the tank. I sealed off the openings and shook the tank rotating it and shaking it some more untill all the big parts were loosened. Then i started the Cream treatment. It is very urgrant that all (ALL) of the excess cream is drained from the tank when coating is complete. (IT WILL NOT STICK TO ITSELF AND WILL NEVER DRY IF LEFT IN A POOL INSIDE THE TANK!!!!!)

I've used Kreem and RedKote and by far prefer RedKote. The Kreem kits include phosphoric acid as the cleaner/etcher.

I took mine to a local radiator shop & had it cleaned out, redkoted inside & blackkoted on the lower outside & new plug for $100.00

I had a 1975 International 1/2 ton pickup a few years back with cruddy, rusted up tanks. A mechanic friend of mine put a couple of big scoops of rough edged gravel in each one, fastened them to the front of an old cement mixer, and just let them rotate for several hours. Worked like one of those small rock polishing machines, and the tanks cleaned up really well. Might not make you too popular with your neighbors though, if they live close by.

I have taken the tanks out of my trucks, had them boiled clean at a radiator shop, and pressure tested. Each time I buy new tanks. It seems like this whole process with any of the tank sealer is close to the cost of a new tank.

I go with new tanks over recoated used leaky tanks. If you don't coat them right the stuff comes/flakes off and you will have a problem when you least want it.

You can always cut a hole in the old tank, mount it on the wall and use it for a rag container or nostalgic shelf unit.

My 2 centavos.

Dennis, I know where your coming from but some of us have no option as there is not a tank available.....or I would have bought one for my panel. Your point is well taken though.

I spent ALOT of time and money cleaning my cab mounted fuel tank. It had rust and some gooey tar from years of sitting. After debating for a while, and seeing the effects of these repairs over a long period, I ended up buying a new tank last week. POR15 has a great kit for tank restoration and sealing if you decide to go that route

I soaked mine in muriatic acid and water for a few days, then pressurewashed. I then used POR15 tank repair on the inside

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i've used the electrolosis method on motorcycle tanks with very good results; using a battery charger and washing powder. i can post a link if your search here comes up short... very easy and the resulting coating can be left as is, or coated
ed

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I appreciate it.

Spot