gas cans

[tsutter]

Hello everyone:<br /><br />I have two old motors and two old gas cans. I'm working on getting the motors going (my first stab at anything mechanical, so we'll see...) But I have a question about the gas cans. I cleaned one out yesterday. It is the gas tank that came with the Sea King motor. First the vent on the fuel tank cap is missing. Can this be replaced? Secondly, when I emptied out the old gas, it was blackish-red in color and looked to have some bits of corroded materials in it. The bottom of the gas can was severely corroded. I read on this forum several posts about either repairing the old can somehow, or just getting a new one. Is the old can beyond help? I guess I'm asking should I try to repair the old can, or just bite the bullet and get a new one? If I can repair, what would you recommend? If I can't repair, would I be able to purchase a gas can for such an old motor?<br /><br />Thanks all in advance for your help. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: gas cans

If it is a single line tank just replace it with a new tank.It will be safer and probably not to much more than a major repair on yours.<br /> There are polyethelene tanks that are nice and light and probably available in 2 to 10 or 12 gallon sizes.And they cant rust!<br /> They are probably available here.

 

[rolmops]

Re: gas cans

Do you mean the tanks that go with the 1956 engine you mentioned in another post?<br />This probably means that these are two line pressure tanks,which are available at a hundred bucks a piece if you can find them.<br />Take a bunch of small roofing nails and dump them in the tank and empty a can of engine cleaner gunk in it.You know the stuff that washes of the outside of engines.Let that sit for a minute and then do some real serious tank shaking.Now clean the whole thing out with a garden hose.Chances are you will have cleaned most of the sediment that looks like rust and now you will have a clean tank that probably does not leak since they still had stuff in them when you started.

 

[John Reynolds]

Re: gas cans

There is gas tank sealer that you can use to seal in the gunk that you can't get out, and to seal pin hole leaks. I've used it a couple of times. After you clean the tank, and clean it with a solvent, you let it dry then pour in the sealer. The sealer is swished around all over real good and the excess is poured out, and the tank is allowed to cure for a week or so.. The sealer is good stuff. You can order it from J.C. Whitney or buy it at a motorcycle shop.

 

[tsutter]

Re: gas cans

Hello:<br /><br />Thanks for the replies everyone. In response to the question if it is a double line tank from the 56 motor, the answer is I believe so. I'll try to clean, but when I was removing the hose, a small piece (about 1/2 inch long) broke off the end of the hose where the clamp was holding it on to the tank. Any advice for this? Could I just cut the hose even with the other line at that end and call it good?

 

[one more cast]

Re: gas cans

Those double hoses are still available at your local OMC dealer and maybe at NAPA auto parts stores.

 

[alcan]

Re: gas cans

Hi Tsutter<br />Trimming the hose might work in a pinch. But as you noted, it broke. The hose is shot and needs to be replaced.