Need help with rust

BAnNC · May 1, 2020

My Super 55 has bad rust in the gas tank. What is the best thing to clean it out and then the best coating to use in it?
Rebuild kit on carb and rewired, want to use it but having to stop every few minutes to clean out bowl of sludge.

glennster · May 1, 2020

i would take it to a radiator shop, have them boil it out and install a liner. cost around 125.00. i have done a few myself, way easier to take it in.

Hobo,NC · May 1, 2020

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=244783&highlight=

Traditional Farmer · May 1, 2020

Put a see thru in line filter in your gas line to keep the fine particles from getting to the carb,the big pieces should be in the sediment bowl.plan on changing the filter pretty often for a while if there is much coming thru.I have in line filters on all the gas tractor I run,surprising how much collects there even after going thru a sediment bowl screen.

Janicholson · May 1, 2020

I agree. Have it done. Inline filters should you choose to go there, need to be for gravity feed systems. NAPA sells them. They do not plug up as easily. In reality a good sediment bowl with brass screen, should do the job well. Without actually cleaning the tank and sealing it the rust will just continue being a pain 1/2 way to the ground from your head. Jim

Texasmark1 · May 1, 2020

We had one shop around here, vintage. Took a radiator over there to get boiled out, maybe 15 years ago and he was closed down. EPA he said since his residence was in the same building as his shop!

coshoo · May 1, 2020

Sometimes helps to put a little "standpipe" in the inlet to the sediment bulb. A piece of copper tubing about an inch long, of the proper diameter, so you're drawing fuel from an inch above the bottom, above the crud.

gene bender · May 1, 2020

I have found the same that fines that the sediment bowl screen pass the see thru will catch so just change and go. set the see thru up side down and when they get dry the fines will fall out the inlet and you can use them again

Tim(NY) · May 1, 2020

I used a product I believe was called Redcote, its a quart of red paint that you pour in and slosh around to cover all surfaces. It seals pinholes too. First remove the tank, dry it and do whatever you can to get the crud out; shake steel balls, round stones etc to dislodge as much as you can.

Crazy Horse · May 1, 2020

I will second Tim's reply about Red Kote, I have used it myself and it is easy to use and it works. There is a link below, you can buy it direct. I'm sure there are retailers near you that have it as well. There is also a similar product (white in color) made and sold by Bill Hirsch Automotive, they are a big supplier of restoration supplies for vintage car guys. Google BILL HIRSCH AUTO GAS TANK SEALER. I have used this product as well with good results and it is also simple to use. Both are single component products and do not need a whole lot of preparation inside the tank.
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T.R.K. · May 1, 2020

Phosphoric acid is supposed to kill the rust. I had to use a couple of 'original' Coka-Colas in a lawnmower tank because I could not find phosphoric acid locally. I let it sit for nearly a week.
Then wash that out good, of course.
Then coat with Red-Kote, like the other guys recommended. And give it several days to cure.

If you have more than one rusty tank, best do the red-kote to all of them at the same time, it doesn't keep very long after the can is opened.

Stephen Newell · May 1, 2020

I would put a bunch of nuts and bolts in the gas tank and put the tank in the back of your truck for a few days. It will break loose anything that is loose. Then treat the inside with phosphoric acid, rinse and allow to dry well. Then to treat it coat the inside with a fuel tank liner such as Red Kote. If it doesn't already leak it probably will after cleaning and will take the tank liner to seal any pin holes.

Glen SW Wi · May 1, 2020

Next time you need Phosphoric acid check with Ace Hardware. Our local Ace handles it. The brand they carry is called OSPHO. Clerk probably doesn't know what it is. First time I ask him for Phosphoric acid he didn't know what it was. After I asked about ASPHO the light came on. Best thing there is for stopping rust. We used gallons of it when I worked out in the Gulf on the oil platforms. Saltwater can sure cause things to rust. Just brush or spray it on. Let it sit for a day or two and dry. No need to rinse before painting. During the chemical change the Iron oxide (rust) turns into Iron phosphate. You can buy what they call Navel Jelly etc. which is Phosphoric acid with a thickening agent added. Phosphoric acid can be worked without gloves. It in nothing like sulfuric or nitric acid.

Need help with rust

BAnNC

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glennster

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Hobo,NC

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Traditional Farmer

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Janicholson

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Texasmark1

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coshoo

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gene bender

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Tim(NY)

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Crazy Horse

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T.R.K.

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Stephen Newell

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Glen SW Wi

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