repair of steel fuel tank

[lark2004]

is it possible to coat a steel fuel tank with epoxy or something to stop it rusting and seal it?<br />Replacement isn't realy easy because of age and the fact that it is the cowling for the engine (OLD air cooled mariner). Any input (as always) is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Originally posted by lark2004:<br />[QB] is it possible to coat a steel fuel tank with epoxy or something to stop it rusting and seal it?<br />/QB]

Thats exactly what I've just done. 2 pack epoxy x 2 coats. 'Dulux Durabild'. Pricey stuff and difficult to work but its the only one on the market that doesn't require special tools for application and its rated for underwater use. <br /><br />I don't understand what you mean by 'its the cowling for the engine'. Is the fuel tank & the cowling one and the same?<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Mark42]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

You can do as Aldo did that will be the end of the problem. Depending on how badly rusted it is, sometimes a cup or two of sand and gravel in the tank shaken for a while (actually, a long while) will remove all the loose rust scales to the point that it won't be a problem clogging up carbs in the future, especially if you use a gas line filter. <br /><br />And don't forget to dump the sand and wash it out before use.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

I used a rotary wire brush on a flexible extension to get the worst of the rust out of my Johnson pressure tank, then a rust treatment gel to remove the remainder.<br />I was going to epoxy coat the inside like some of the vintage motorcycle guys do, they sell a kit specially for this but as far as I can see it's just ordinary epoxy resin at a premium price!<br />In the end I decided against the epoxy treatment, I heard a few stories about it flaking off after a while, and thought I'd see how the tank held up without it. It's fine so far, and as long as it doesn't get moisture in there I'd think it would remain so. <br />The oil in the fuel should stop it rusting, and as long as the tank is left empty and dry if it's stored for a long period there's no reason for it to rust.<br />Does your tank actually leak? If it does you could get it brazed, but have it steam cleaned first to be sure than any fuel residue is gone!

 

[lark2004]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Ok, cool I had thought that it would work, but just wanted to run it past you guys first. <br />Good idea on the brazing Petrolhead, I will probably do that, but would still look at sealing the tank inside and out (moisture issue due to ethanol)<br /><br />Yes Aldo, The tank and cowling on this motor are one and the same. It is very old. I will try and post some photos of it soon

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Lark, I got the wrong end of the stick I think, I painted the outside of my tank with 2 pack epoxy.<br /><br />I know there are products to do the inside but I've never tried it.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Any radiator shop where you are will be able to steam clean, repair, and then coat the inside of the tank for you. I've done this to every single one of the gas tanks I've used on my bikes and NEVER had a problem. Actually had one tank I built leak so bad all over the place (pin holes) that they just coated the inside and it fixed everything. The whole fiasco depending on the rad shop is about $60cdn, well worth the price. Alot of places will also pressure check it for you after everything is said and done.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Next time you're at the grocery store, grab a hot rod magazine or 2 off the rack.<br /><br />All them guys running 1930's era cars have the same problem. In the classified section, there are always ads by companys selling fuel tank lining chemicals to fill in rusted out pinholes..

 

[djvan]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

I've never done it but a friend of mine has, Hook your exhaust from a car to your gas tank forcing exhaust into the tank, and out through the vent tube. Supposely you can then run the car and sasfely weld or braze your tank. Keep the car running while welding/brazing.<br /><br />I MAKE NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS IS A SAFE PRACTICE.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[lark2004]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Ok, can sort of see the point with the exaust, But would be very apprehensive to try that one, Exaust fumes can kill you. I think I will steam clean braze and then coat the tank. As long as the Epoxy is fuel proof, that should do the trick.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Why don't you just wash it out with bleach and water a few times.That should do it.

 

[lark2004]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

Don't know, Bleach is clorine based, Clorine is also very flamable. Plus, steam is enviromently friendly. Remember I'm going to braze this thing, that means open flame, can't have fumes which will ignite inside tank!<br /><br />Well thanks for all the input, By the time anyone else puts something on this one, I will have done the job. Wish me luck, I will let you all know how it goes.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: repair of steel fuel tank

I use to work at a radiator shop, we did tanks from time to time. STEAM CLEAN the tank it is the right way with no questions. Even after that alot of times we would put the tank in our hydrotank and submerge all but the offending area and then braze or if the tank was thin we would use a soldering iron ( the heat it up your self type)