Cleaning Gas Tank

RCP · Jul 28, 2021

I have an Oliver 550 that some one lined the gas tank with a liquid sealer, it might be Red Kote. The coating is starting to peel and I want to remove it completely, has anyone tried Muratic acid or something similar to remove the liner?

Stephen Newell · Jul 28, 2021

What would be needed is paint stripper. You just can't buy it anymore since the government banned methylene chloride to the general public. The paint stripper would be the more liquid variety which a professional refinisher would use. If you can find a furniture refinishing shop you might get them strip it for you. They can still purchase real paint stripper.

rustred · Jul 28, 2021

That would require shaking in a caustic hot tank. Such as a rad shop.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 28, 2021

I googled gas tank for oliver 550. Found used ones. some claim to be clean inside.
I would look into a different tank.

Mike M · Jul 28, 2021

iirc red coat can says to use MEK to dissolve it ?

Steve@Advance · Jul 28, 2021

They had to have had a reason for sealing it. Once it's out your choice is to try again with new sealer, replace the tank, or repair it with new steel.

Since there probably is no new tank available, you could cut the bottom out, which would give access to peel out the liner, then make a new bottom and weld it back in.

If this is a working tractor, you probably want to keep the tank full size. If it's a trailer queen, I've seen the original tank cut open and a small aluminum fuel cell slid inside. Gives original appearance but a functional tank.

Richard G. · Jul 29, 2021

Had the same problem on a small antique engine tank.
Poured it full of acetone and it cleaned right up.

Cleaning Gas Tank

RCP

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Stephen Newell

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rustred

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Geo-TH,In

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Mike M

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Steve@Advance

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Richard G.

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