Page 1 of 1

Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:48 pm
by RobMoore
I have a small leak in my petrol tank was going to seal it up but on inspection I fear that in the not to distant future I may well be sealing up other holes :o
Now I do have a spare good tank which came with the care, I have just taken a good look again at it and I can see fine surface rust on the inside, I don't think this is good for petrol so.
How do you get rid of rust from the inside of a petrol tank?
Once the rust is removed how do I treat it?

As always, thank you in advance.

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 9:21 pm
by billlobban

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 11:39 pm
by bmcecosse
Some swirl pebbles about inside - with some water. Then when dry (and pebbles removed!) - pour in the 'famous' POR15 - and swirl that around to coat all surfaces - and leave to dry.

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:38 am
by richy246
Secure your tank to a cement mixer,put in some solvent and pebbles, switch on , sit down ,read paper have a cuppa after about 30 minutes remove and empty tank.Should be spotless inside,works every time !!

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:19 am
by Ted
Hi Rob, I had a similar problem, when I purchased my Minor it had been sitting in a shed for 14 years and condensation had eaten holes right thru the petrol tank, it was like a swiss cheese. Fortunately I was able to purchase a second hand one to suit, in reasonable condition but I wanted to ensure that I would have no problems in the future so I got a tank seal kit from POR15 it had all the neccesary products to clean, de-rust, and coat the tank with a polyeurethane coating that was impervious to petrol. It was simple to use with full instructions and I was pleased with the finished result. Now I have a tank that wont rust or decay. -Ted

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 12:50 pm
by rayofleamington
The fine surface rust won't be a problem - you an use the tank surfacing products if you really wantr but if it was me I'd just use the "barrelling method" probably with nuts and bolts and parrafin, (in prefference to pebbles and water) and then just use it.
Bear in mind that the tank has a pick up strainer so you may render it useless if your sealer blocks the fine holes! Don't use anything sharp or heavy in the tank when barrelling it to avoid damaging the strainer - although they are fairly robust.

You should use an inline filter with a paper element between the pump and carb anyway - this will avoid any silt like particles getting into the carb over the next 30+ years.

Re: Petrol Tank

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:32 pm
by bmcecosse
But be aware a filter on the inlet side of the pump makes fuel starvation even more likely in hot weather - buy putting more restriction on the pump's 'sucking' ability. The pump has a filter anyway - and SUs cope well with debris - no tiny jets to block!