HELP how to clean a old steel gas tank.

[freak trike]

someone have tips or advice to clean my old and little rusty inside steel gas tank .i shake it and i heards some rust and sand inside ...i throw air inside and try a vaccum whit carpet cleaner but still. many little dust inside.thanks

[DohcBikes]

Fill it with Apple cider vinegar and let it sit at least overnight. If you aren't concerned with the paint you can have it hot tanked.

Honda used to sell a product that would make any tank look new, but alas like all good things they quit selling it.

[muthey]

I second the apple cider vinegar, I have used muriatic acid and prefer the vinegar, it just works better for me I leave it for a couple of days.

[f76]

Like the others said, cider vinegar for at least a couple days. Then dump in a bunch of small nuts and bolts or other small metallic objects with corners and shake the whole thing around for as long as you want. Then rinse with vinegar and blow it out. You can then buy a good inner tank coating or use wd-40 to help prevent rust.

[Joseph Farrow]

Navel Jelly.

[kaymo]

ive used muratic acid. tried vinegar but dont it was white and didnt do much. the acid eats a lot if you leave it too long!

[MPDano]

I used Por 15 in my Honda Odyssey tank and it works exactly as promised. A little pricey but the end result is the tank will "never" rust again. It even sealed up tiny pin holes too.

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Motorcycle-Fuel-Tank-Repair-Kit-_p_106.html

[Asymetric]

I just did my first gas tank cleaning the other day. I went with muriatic acid. Used a gallon plus enough water to top off the tank. Let it sit about 2 hours and 15 years of rust from being stored empty is long gone. Looks brand new inside. I drained the acid into a bucket. Then mixed up some water with a bunch of baking soda and rinsed the tank with that a few times. Then washed the inside wi th soap n water. Rinsed a few times and let it dry out in the sun.

I don't know that it's the best way to do it, but I had the acid on hand for the pool and it did a great job.

Just use caution. Muriatic acid is not weak just because you can get it at the hardware store. I wear gloves and goggles. At the bare minimum, keep the hose nearby incase you splash some on your skin or the paint job.

[freak trike]

i bought some apple cidder vinager...i will talk about result soon.but i found 2 little leak ...what i can use to fix to little hole .i think i will use some cold weld.

[muthey]

cream, redkoat, or por 15 work for fuel tanks, jb weld is really only a temporary fix I have found. It always cracks over time on me with fuel tanks.

[cap]

i bought some apple cidder vinager...i will talk about result soon.but i found 2 little leak ...what i can use to fix to little hole .i think i will use some cold weld.

Redcoat will fill small pinhole leaks.

[DohcBikes]

The absolute best way to fix pinholes in most honda tanks is to find another tank. Every solution is temporary.

[undertaker]

I have used MEK. There a few videos on electrloysis and a battery charger on youtube with a sacrifical rod to collect the rust. I have never tried. I also have never had any luck with JB Weld but a buddy of mine smuggles Belzona out of the plant where he works. That stuff is amazing. I have patched tanks, sheet metal, etc.. and never had a problem. Im sure it can be purchased somewhere.

[BlueRaven]

I did the contractor sand and distilled water method. Wish I knew about the previously noted methods as the sand was a pain to completely flush out. Also have filters on the lines for any sand that refused to rinse out.

[Joseph Farrow]

Navel Jelly....

[Dirk D]

Another trick i heard is to wrap the tank in large blanket , fill it with bb's and spin it in the dryer. Kinda of like shot blasting the inside. Muratic acid needs neutralized with baking soda if you use it, also keep it away from aluminum parts, it will just eat away.

[sleeplessknight]

I just did my first gas tank cleaning the other day. I went with muriatic acid. Used a gallon plus enough water to top off the tank. Let it sit about 2 hours and 15 years of rust from being stored empty is long gone. Looks brand new inside. I drained the acid into a bucket. Then mixed up some water with a bunch of baking soda and rinsed the tank with that a few times. Then washed the inside wi th soap n water. Rinsed a few times and let it dry out in the sun.

I don't know that it's the best way to do it, but I had the acid on hand for the pool and it did a great job.

Just use caution. Muriatic acid is not weak just because you can get it at the hardware store. I wear gloves and goggles. At the bare minimum, keep the hose nearby incase you splash some on your skin or the paint job.
I'm gonna try this. I have just one question. What do you do with the acid and water after it's drained from the tank. How do you safely dispose of it. I have cats and kids and don't want to take a chance on either getting hurt with this stuff. So how do you get rid of it when you're done? Thanks.

[muthey]

if you are worried about you pets and kids use apple cider vinnegar, can be pored back into the jug and thrown in the trash legally. With the acids I have a hole I redig out frequently and after hitting them with baking powder I pour them into the hole and cover it up. has yet to hurt my lawn actually all around my dig site my grass is greener and thicker than ever. Not saying that you can do that legally where you are, but here I am allowed if it is neutralized.