Using muriatic acid to remove rust from a gas tank

[Yamahauler]

this is an old thread but i was wondering if I poured some muriatic acid in full strength and got the rust out, would I have to Kreem it? Or can I just leave it bare metal like they were out of the factory?

[hondatrikesrule22]

this is an old thread but i was wondering if I poured some muriatic acid in full strength and got the rust out, would I have to Kreem it? Or can I just leave it bare metal like they were out of the factory?

Yes, you will have to coat it. As soon as you pour the acid out, pour in baking soda and water. Rinse that out and rinse it with acetone. Youi must use acetone, or you will have more rust than when you started. I tried this and it was a disater. I am just going to spend $35 bucks to have the Radiator shop do it.

[cool_racer]

who ever brought this back thanks. really helpful. called my dad and he had a couple of gallons at the shop. soon as i get some kreeme or red coat im doin my 70 tank

[kilabeez0]

just curious as to where you guys dump these chemicals when your done? bucket? barrel? sink? and how much baking soda do you mix in, a box?

[Dammit!]

who ever brought this back thanks. really helpful. called my dad and he had a couple of gallons at the shop. soon as i get some kreeme or red coat im doin my 70 tank

Thought I'd mention this stuff is called Red Kote. Not Red Coat. Might have an easier time finding it knowing how it's spelled.

[hiltu]

I have light surface rust inside my 185s tank, if i use muriatic acid to clean it out, than baking soda to neutralize it, followed with some acetone can i just throw some gas in and go, or DO i NEED to red koat/kreem?

[Dammit!]

I have light surface rust inside my 185s tank, if i use muriatic acid to clean it out, than baking soda to neutralize it, followed with some acetone can i just throw some gas in and go, or DO i NEED to red koat/kreem?

You will need it use red kote or kreem. The acid etches the surface and it will flash rust damn near instantly.

Supposedly with red kote you don't really need to use the acid. Some surface rust won't make it not stick to the tank like kreem. I didn't want to take any chances and went the whole 9 yards though.

[Solid Snake]

Good point , you don't need to get all the rust off with Red-Kote, with Kreem you will though. The flash rust happens so fast that I'm not sure it's avoidable. I've done two tanks, one with the Kreem acid and another with muriatic acid, baking soda, and acetone, both times I got flash rust (just a little) within a minute or so. Anyway, the Red-Kote was uneffected by it and has held up excellently.

[N5HNY]

I use cheap toilet bowl cleaner in my tanks to get the rust out. It costs about $.99 and does a great job. Muratic acid is still strong and can eat a fuel tank up and leave pinholes if it is extremely rusty. You can flush it out with water and then use the acetone to prep for the Kreem.

I have tried the Kreem "kit" before but I was not too impressed with it. I am sure there are other brands out there that do a better job.

[mudbogger]

I dont know if I passed it by or not, but I have brought many of my fuel cells that were rusted to my local radiator shop guy, he boils them- pressurizes them and reboils them, they come out perfect and it was not expensive at all, I am currently still using the fuel cells and have no issues with them at all, just dont let him paint it for you, there painting processes really stink-lol

[ATC90UK]

Hi, i have always used white vinegar to derust tanks. Works a treat, is cheap and you just chuck it down the drain when you are done. You can also mix it 50 - 50 with water and it still does a good job. Cant get better for the price.

[rally4x4racer]

I have to disagree with the notion that "You must put a liner in the tank if you etch it" If it is already rusty the surface of the metal is "open" and etching it will make it no worse. You can prevent your tank from rusting any worse, or stop the flashing by oiling it. I am not sure how well this works with muretic because I use phosphoric, but I would assume the reaction is similar.

I have "etched" more than one tank and not lined it. No problems. I also "etch" almost all my smaller parts and spray them with WD or something right after rinsing and drying.

Hey dammit!. which is worse - sniffing the muretic or the MEK, or kreem? LOL!!

[Dammit!]

I didn't try sniff anything but Muriatic and it's nasty stuff. I don't recommend it.

[rally4x4racer]

I have accidentally inhaled a few compounds. phosphoric and muretic are both pretty bad when they are kicking.

[tri-Z ripper]

bump sorry guys a year old but is phosphoric acid some really potent stuff or available anywhere?