Excellent information on removing rust from gas tanks.

[bigbikerrick]

Hi Folks, I read this excellent article on rust removal , posted by a member over on the "Loop frame forum" and thought that some of you here could benefit from this information. The article contains everything a person would want to know about rust removal,including all the different methods and products to use, with excellent tips and pictures.
Rick.
https://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Removing_rust_from_a_gas_tank

[gearman]

I read it. Very comprehensive. It talked about not using stainless steel for an electrode because it was illegal.I am thinking that the chromium presipatates out and that is why you can't dump the used solution on the ground. I don' t know this, just thinking.We need spell check here.

[Groover]

Great information. I've used the Vinegar method, and the Evaporust method. The Evaporust worked well and I'd highly recommend it. The vinegar method.. I kept it in the tank for about 2 weeks then the petcocks blew and all liquid dumped out into the bin I had the tank sitting in. The vinegar ate up the petcocks and also ate up the inside tank liner - not sure what that is, maybe a clear coat of some sort but it's gone now. I'd say the vinegar works well, but don't keep it in too long and remove the petcocks 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Most of that is on ThisOldTractor.com in the Loopframe section as well.

[John Croucher]

I grabbed a couple hands full of 2 inch and smaller lava rocks from the landscape materials under the bushes.  Put the rocks in, taped up all the holes.  Put the tank in an appropriate size card board box and taped it closed.  Took it to my Coin operated laundry, place it in a large commercial clothes dryer with the gas burner turned off and a large blanket to cushion.  I let it run for a hour.  Worked pretty good.  Found acid and electrolysis methods would flash rust after cleaning.  Rinsing with a mixture of soluble oil coolant helps.  But they will still flash rust because the galvanized coating has been removed. 

Coming up with a way to re coat the inside to prevent the flash rust is the secret.  Any ideas?

[Rick in WNY]

I've done the Phosphoric acid treatment before, and it works well. The end result is you get a thin coat of iron phosphate inside the tank, which will hold down the flash rust if only briefly. BTW, iron phosphate, a much thicker layer of it, is used in the firearms industry as a rust preventative coating. It's called parkerizing. A second BTW, the Coke/Pepsi method... it works, because the ingredient that does the rust removal is... phosphoric acid. Check you next Coke can if you don't believe me.

[Petrus Rocks]

Good info- I'm de-rusting a Norton tank and so far so good.  Hooked up a 6 amp charger to the electrodes washing soda and water and let it rip.  Got an hour or so into it so far.  I'm surprised my tank isn't leaking-expected holes after discovering failed tank sealer and beaucoup rust inside.

[harry h]

Good info- I'm de-rusting a Norton tank and so far so good.  Hooked up a 6 amp charger to the electrodes washing soda and water and let it rip.  Got an hour or so into it so far.  I'm surprised my tank isn't leaking-expected holes after discovering failed tank sealer and beaucoup rust inside.

This is such an addicting process and have been using it for the last several years.  I always have something in the bath that's rusty and will add a vapor honing cabinet soon.

[Petrus Rocks]

What's a vapor honing cabinet??

[harry h]

What's a vapor honing cabinet??

Uses water and a media to clean surfaces.  It is an amazing process that doesn't destroy a surface like regular blasting.

Check this out. http://vaporhoningtechnologies.com/vapour-blasting-motorcycle-engine-parts/

[larrys]

Good info- I'm de-rusting a Norton tank and so far so good.  Hooked up a 6 amp charger to the electrodes washing soda and water and let it rip.  Got an hour or so into it so far.  I'm surprised my tank isn't leaking-expected holes after discovering failed tank sealer and beaucoup rust inside.

I use this method on all manner of rusty stuff. Recently saved a couple of antique micrometers. I have saved a number of old tools, antique outboard motor fuel tanks, even some firearm parts. I have tried using stainless steel anodes, but hazmat concerns aside, they don't work as well as steel. Tanks can be made of anything plastic to fit the part. A five gallon pail works for most tools. I have made a tank from 6" PVC with caps to handle a long piece I was saving.
Larry

[Perazzimx14]

After using several other methods my preferred is using MIllstone remove available any farm and fleet store for about $10 a gallon.

Pour in 1 gallon of Milkstone remove and top up tank with hot water. Set aside for 12 to 24 hours. After the soak dump contents down the drain, rinse with hot water followed by a bottle of rubbing alcohol to dry thgins out. Look inside and be amazed at how clean and derusted the interior of the tank is. 

I'd also caution you to put the tank in a secondary containment. If the milkstone remover eats away the rust that was sealing a hole it'll leak.