GAS TANKS

ajohnston

Seaman
Joined
Feb 15, 2002
Messages
71
I have two old Evinrude gas tanks that are still in good shape, however there is rust on the inside. Does any one know of a good way to clean these tanks of the rust?
 

CAPTBLACKSMARINE

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2002
Messages
198
Re: GAS TANKS

YOU COULD USE SOME B.B.'S YES LIKE THE ONES IN YOUR B.B. GUN POUR THEM IN AND ROLL THEM AROUND THE INSIDE .HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE WILL DEPEND ON HOW MUCH RUST YOU HAVE IN IT .WHEN DONE WASH OUT WITH SOAP AND WATER AND WATER THEN LEAVE IN THE SUN TO DRY IT OUT.IF THIS DOES NOT WORK THE ONLY OTHER WAY I KNOW OF IS TO TAKE TO A RADIATOR SHOP AND HAVE THEM BOIL IT OUT IN A RADIATOR VAT. BUT CONSIDERNG YOU CAN REPLACE THEM FOR AROUND $50 EACH PAYING THE RADIATOR MAN MAY NOT BE WORTH IT ON SUCH SMALL TANKS.
 

Pursuit2150

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 3, 2001
Messages
553
Re: GAS TANKS

If they have a lot of rust , replace them with the newer poly-tanks! it's not worth the trobule to try and do away with the old rust, if the scale breaks loose, you are going to have fuel problems& fouling.!!!.
 

tajones

Cadet
Joined
Mar 2, 2002
Messages
16
Re: GAS TANKS

If your tank is good and dry, then muratic acid will eat the rust away clean. The only problem is that if the tank wall is rusted to thin it will eat a hole in it. You can obtain some acid probably from a drug store or coop relatively cheap. Be careful, this is a dirty form of hydrocloric acid and it will eat you as well. Good Luck
 

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: GAS TANKS

ajohn,<br /><br />There is a process to remove rust and coat motorcycle gas tanks. I've seen it in some of my Harley mags.<br /><br />I've never had the problem so I've never paid too much attention to the articles. Every so often there will be an article on the restoration project on a historic HD and not only are 30 year old Fat-Bob tanks hard to find but they are expensive and usually rusted.<br /><br />So either you fix the rusted one you got or the one bought or you buy a fake and old scooter tramps don't like fakes. I've seen these articles over the years many times but off the top of my head I can't remember the name of the product. It is a coating and it is designed for gas tanks.<br /><br />So really the only help I can give you is to let you know that there is a process for MC tanks and you can try and call an HD repair shop. I think a restoration shop or aftermarket type shop would be a better bet than a dealer, but you can try them too.<br /><br />I don't know if it will work on marine tanks or not. My guess is maybe not because if it did one of the Techs on this board would have heard about it. <br /><br />I have no idea what new tanks would cost you but I thought I would let you know, It may be worth a shot.<br /><br />Good Luck ;)
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: GAS TANKS

AJ,<br /><br />This is not something you want to fool around with. If they are truly "antiques", sell them on e-bay. The only true antique fuel tanks are 2-hose, early OMC tanks.<br /><br />Don't jeopardize your safety, if in doubt, get rid of them.
 

ajohnston

Seaman
Joined
Feb 15, 2002
Messages
71
Re: GAS TANKS

Perhaps i did not make myself to clear, The tanks are actually in excellent condition except for the rust inside, no leaks, I have already replaced the tanks, just did not want to throw them away. They are from the late 60's. Six gal metal with top guage and hose connections. Thanks to all may try a couple of things to see how it workks out.
 
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