DIRTY & RUSTY fuel tank

[project lazarus]

Yo!
a quick history, 10 years ago this 91 tsi was parked due to a turbo/intercooler problem (so i was told) fast forward to today, new battery, fluids changed, cylinders fogged old gas dumped new gas in, new filter and no fuel pressure. pulled the pump and found tank is NASTY!!! lots of gummy old gas and rust... now for the question...what is the best way to get that junk out? im dropping the tank tomorrow and looking for what works best to clean it up.

 

[bryanwheat]

IF it is rusty the best bet is to buy a good tank. IT is a pain to get all the rust out and if all of it isn't removed it will keep rusting and destroying pumps.

 

[ys0blupandab3ar]

Look in to a hot boil, most radiator shops should be able to do this.

 

[serrilion]

I've done Asatone mixed with water and ball barrings before and shock the tank up, also a solivent and ball bearings works as well.. just an Idea, worked on both my bike and my old beater civic

 

[luv2rallye]

You also could look for a shop that lines a rusty/leaky tank with a resin to make it useable again. They certainly would be able to clean it (and add the resin if you want too).

 

[Murci]

Some people throw rocks and solvents in the tank. After that, they shake the hell out of the tank and then just put clean water in the tank to rinse all the crap out. If it seems like too much work or might not work, just buy a new tank.

Good luck.

 

[project lazarus]

Thanks for the feedback, if the tank is not to rusty ill try to clean it but ill know more today when i get it out.

 

[Marceldsm]

Thanks for the feedback, if the tank is not to rusty ill try to clean it but ill know more today when i get it out.

hey dude im in the same situation like you right new

if you drop the tank make sure you clean it then use ider por-15 or rust encapstulator. grind or the surface rust off first

 

[95eclispe]

all honesty i would rather just replace the tank then trying to clean it. they arent that much money and frees you of worries that the rust might build back up or maybe break in the near future. if it sat for 10 yrs the rust build might have done some permanent damage to the tank already. i would even go as far as checking your hoses for rust too if your not going to replace them.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

all honesty i would rather just replace the tank then trying to clean it. they arent that much money and frees you of worries that the rust might build back up or maybe break in the near future. if it sat for 10 yrs the rust build might have done some permanent damage to the tank already. i would even go as far as checking your lines for rust too if your not going to replace them.

Woah there! You have a line on NEW gas tanks for 1g AWD DSMs? Please elaborate!

 

[project lazarus]

i pulled the tank and the majority of the scum is old gas that turned into a sticky varnish, that stuff washed out pretty good. I flushed the tank with the pressure washer and got most of that out. i then threw a handfull of 5/16 nuts in the tank with some solvent and shook them around for a few minutes and the inside that i can see looks great. now there is still the rust on the top inside of the tank, i encouraged it off with a rubber mallet and then used the nuts again shook the tank upsidedown for a few more minutes and seem to have got the majority of it out. tomorrow i will fill the tank with a mix CLR and water to get the rest of the rust out. tank structure is still realy good so im going to keep up with the cleaning for now, ill keep you posted on the CLR flush.
thanks for all the input!!

 

[seattleshawn]

I have used this before. Works great
Gas Tank Sealer Kit For Cars - Fuel Tank Sealer - Auto Fuel Tanks - Eastwood

 

[My1GLaser]

I sandblasted mine, shook it with rocks inside, blew it out with an industrial size compressor and 3/4" air hose, rinsed with water, rinsed with Acetone, rinsed with Ospho per the instructions, then I coated it with 1qt POR-15 that I got at NAPA. Its been spotless for 5 years and it looked like crap with tons of rust before. It was a sh_t ton of work!

 

[95eclispe]

i pulled the tank and the majority of the scum is old gas that turned into a sticky varnish, that stuff washed out pretty good. I flushed the tank with the pressure washer and got most of that out. i then threw a handfull of 5/16 nuts in the tank with some solvent and shook them around for a few minutes and the inside that i can see looks great. now there is still the rust on the top inside of the tank, i encouraged it off with a rubber mallet and then used the nuts again shook the tank upsidedown for a few more minutes and seem to have got the majority of it out. tomorrow i will fill the tank with a mix CLR and water to get the rest of the rust out. tank structure is still realy good so im going to keep up with the cleaning for now, ill keep you posted on the CLR flush.
thanks for all the input!!

good work man! hope it plays out well for you

 

[project lazarus]

i did the CLR flush yesterday and it came out looking spotless! one small problem, no one sells tank seal kits in Saskatchewan...anywhere....EVER! so i orderd the eastwood kit and it will be 2weeks and i will let you know how it works when i get it.

 

[project lazarus]

Just an update, I traded 2 tires for a parts car. I pulled the tank and WoooooHooooo! It is perfect. It looks like new and I put it in my car today. Gas and see if it starts tomorrow.

 

[xtotek]

Just an update, I traded 2 tires for a parts car. I pulled the tank and WoooooHooooo! It is perfect. It looks like new and I put it in my car today. Gas and see if it starts tomorrow.

Two tires?

That's a good deal and a great find!