I have a tank which has a little rust in it, I am happy to get it out and use vinegar to remove any surface rust.
I assume if I do not fill it with fuel it will rust again?
To prevent this can I seal/paint the inside? If so what would any recommend using and any tips or tricks to get it right.
Thank you
The best approach is to completely de-rust the inside of the tank and then seal/line using POR-15. Essentially, you pour in about 250 cc of POR-15 and swill it around until it has coated all the surfaces, drain out the excess and then leave to harden. After that, you don't need to worry about it any more :)
I'm carrying out that exact process at present, the tank has been filled with Apple cider vinegar for about 10 days, today I emptied it out,it had turned black and the inside of the tank was covered in a black sludge. I then put 400ml of warm water mixed with 100ml of phosphoric acid (e bay) giving it a proper vigorous shaking them washing it out ( just remember your dealing with acid and take all the usual precautions) then 800ml water 200ml acid again vigorous shaking. I left it for half an hour and shook again,half hour later same again, did the about 4/5 times then a good washing out.bought it in and dried the inside with a hair drier. That's where I am now, over the weekend (hopefully) use the degreaser and etching solution that comes with the por 15 kit then the final paint coating. Rather a long process but hopefully if I get it right I'll never have to do it again. I used 2 x 3/8 bsp plugs to plug of the feed tappings, available from plumbing supplier and a couple of layers of cling film over the petrol cap hole before putting the cap on for shaking.hope this is helpful it's thanks to other members advice that I've been able to pass it on. Dave.
I've done a large number of tanks with apple cider vinegar and normally just clean out the tank afterwards with a hose pipe and some vigorous shaking. It does depend on the starting condition of the tank but I think I've only ever had to repeat a week's soaking in apple cider vinegar the one time. I never use any pre-treatment and simply apply the POR-15 paint directly to the metal after carefully drying out the tank. Some 10 years later, the tank I treated on one of the bikes I ride is still in perfect condition internally.
Ive used the POR15 on a couple of tanks. Good results but you must be patient and follow the instructions. Take your time, you'll need a couple of days- and don't skimp on drying the tank out before applying the final coating
Agree, this is the first time I've done this process and may be a bit ott but reading reviews on por15 concluded that the people who rated it poor were probably not taking enough care over preperation, an hour or two now could Dave a lot of time and money later. Dave.
:) :) :) :)
If you do your final rinse in very hot water, when the tank is emptied the it will be hot and radically assist in the drying process.
Mike 8) 8) 8)
Forgot to say I have about 4 gallon of cider vinegar left over if anyone wants it your welcome, South Birmingham /m42.Dave.
Thank you for all the advice, very helpful.
Matthew