What is a good way to clean out a gas tank?

[MagicJames]

I'm gonna coat some gas tanks, and I am looking for the best way to clean these tanks up.
I tried using some kind of acid before, but all it did was eat through the tank.
Don't want to go that route again. These are metal tanks.
Let me know what methods you use.
The rust isn't too bad, just needs a little love.

[Kwattro]

I used a product called Kreem Prep A&B on a rusty tank. Came out looking exactly like new again. It was about $20 for both bottles.

[harryredtrike]

sykolinkoln has a great way to clean out fuel tanks.do a search on it or may be someone will put a link or quote.

[4cfed]

friend of mine allways puts a few hand fulls of bb's ( ya know for bb guns) in the tanks and shakes them around for a while . kinda like media blasting only slower

[Jbird5363]

put a stuff called marine kleen from por-15 in it with some screws and shake the hell out of it

[Zach]

i have had a few old machines with some relly really rusty tanks to knock the big chunks off I have used a few handfuls of gravel and some good ol gasoline then shook the hell out of it and dumped out the whole mess and rinse a couple times with fresh gas then ran an inline filter to make sure nothing big enough to clog jets gets to the carb. I guess it all depends on your budget, when I have found a tank that bad the machine hasnt been worth dumping a ton of money into. Though if you are painting it may be a different case with your tanks. Good Luck

[AutoXer]

muratic acid is what i used ... was about 8 bucks for a gallon and it only takes about 10 seconds ... if it eats your tank in a short amount of time its probabally beyond saving

[MagicJames]

muratic acid is what i used ... was about 8 bucks for a gallon and it only takes about 10 seconds ... if it eats your tank in a short amount of time its probabally beyond saving

Thats the acid that i am talking about that I used before. If this truly is the way to go, is there any advice on how to use it? Rinse it out afterwards?

Let me know what your thoughts are.

[AutoXer]

Yes rinse it very well. I rinsed with water at least 3 times then dried in the sun and after it was completely dry I used red kote was very happy with the results. My tank was rusty but didn't have holes if it had holes i would have used kreem instead

[Coaltrain]

ospho, or get a tank seal kit from kbs coatings for like $35. If the tank does not leak but just has some rust pour some ospho in there and swish it around, drain it out and let it dry and you'll be good to go.

[aldochina]

If the tank is solid, and only moderate rust, do as said, and take some 1/4 inch nut, or bb's i suppose, and put them in th tank with some gas and shake it around for a while, empty and rinse with some fresh gas. Get some evapo-rust from the auto parts store, fill up the tank and let it sit for 8 hrs or as needed. You will be amazed. Dont coat the tank with anything if the rust is not about to eat through the tank. Once you seal it there is no turning back, and it doesnt last forever. You can just fill the tank half way, let it set, and rotate it every 6-8 hrs or as needed. It is easier if you buy enough to fill the tank though. You will not be dissappointed in the results.

[MagicJames]

I plan on going with Red Kote, i hear it is the best of the best.
I will do that with the BB's or 1/4 nuts. That sounds pretty good to me.
I am doing 2 tanks, possibly 3. I am curious if 1 quart will be enough to do all 3...
The one tank has light surface rust on the inside, and small pinholes.
The 2nd tank has been brazed and the guy told me that there are still tiny pinholes, so my plan is to sand the brazing down by hand and get it smooth, then use the Red Kote.
The third tank is ... ugh... It has been coated once with some white crap, but it flaking off. Someone epoxied the bottom of the tank, and then coated it. But the gas is now eating through the white lining and now the epoxy, and is leaking like it was getting paid to.

Let me know what you think. I'm definitely doing 2 tanks, possibly the 3rd, if i have enough Red Kote

[Coaltrain]

red kote and kreem kote are old tech. not saying that they dont work, but do a search on the internet for red kote and kreem kote and you'll find just as many people with horror stories as success stories. use the por15 or kbs tank sealers, they are better and they are both impervious to the ethanol (alcohol) that is blended into todays gasolines unlike the old kreem kote and red kote. I have used the kbs a few times and it works perfect for me everytime.



Not trying to start anything, just trying to show that there are more options other than Kreem or Red.

[Coaltrain]

I plan on going with Red Kote, i hear it is the best of the best.

The third tank is ... ugh... It has been coated once with some white crap, but it flaking off. Someone epoxied the bottom of the tank, and then coated it. But the gas is now eating through the white lining and now the epoxy, and is leaking like it was getting paid to.

That "white crap" is kreem kote. another example of a FAIL.

[Jeckel]

Try and Google "Naval Jelly" its about $4-5 bones for 8 ounces and it strictly attacks Rust only. You can leave it in your tank for 24 hours if needed to get lots of rust out. Dilute it down with water and let sit for 1 day. I normally do it concentrate about 2/3 naval jelly 1/3 water and get 2 bottles and gets the job done in brand new fashion. I use it on my Trikes and Cycle tanks. Make sure to rince really well after you clean it and then get water out asap. Alcohol is what I use then fill with gas.