Fuel tank rust (1939 Sea King Model 469; 1 hp)

[kreeb428]

Anyone have suggestions on removing small amounts of rust?

I read some people fill them with vinegar and BB’s periodically shaking them.

Thoughts…

[Tubs]

That is one of many solutions.
Coca-Cola will work too. Its
the acid that eats away the
rust over time. May have to
replace with fresh a time or two.
If its not too bad 24 hours may
be all it will take. Rinse the
tank with baking soda and
water to neutralize the acid
when you done.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[outbdnut2]

There was an article a year or so ago in the club magazine about removing rust with electrolysis using a battery charger to power the reaction.
There is a current post about using "Washing Soda" with this method.
Dave

[Buccaneer]

I’ve had luck using Phosphoric Acid sold at Home Depot, sold for
etching cement, and rust removal.

Prepare to be boarded!

[thumper]

quote outbdnut2:

There was an article a year or so ago in the club magazine about removing rust with electrolysis using a battery charger to power the reaction.
There is a current post about using “Washing Soda” with this method.
Dave

I have done it successfully using the PH up pool chemical and an iron nail with the battery charger. it took a good 48 hours as there was alot of rust

[kreeb428]

Thanks for the pointers, I’ll let ya know how it works.

[Mumbles]

Your motor has a steel tank on it so you can use muriatic (hydrochloric) acid if you are careful followed by a thorough rinse with a baking powder solution. It acts quickly and is nasty stuff so safety precautions must be used. You don’t want this stuff anywhere near an aluminum tank unless you have a spare tank in your stash.

[johnny-infl]

question: after all this chemical cleaning, are the tanks ever sealed on the inside ??
from what I have been finding on the interweb is that all the automotive gas tank sealers
are not alcohol tolerant.
I am refurbishing 3 of the 6 gallon OMC steel gas tanks. There are no leaks in the metal.
no pin holes, etc. So I am thinking a good shake shake shake with some rocks
then the chemical clean, baking soda, rince and dry – then just put gas in it and go !!

[Tubs]

Tanks aren’t sealed when new. Regular use
and keeping air from entering the tank when
not use will keep the rust from returning.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[garry-in-michigan]

Gale products made the OMC 4 & 6 gallon fuel tanks out of terne plate which adds 20% tin to the zink used in galvanizing. . . 😎

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