Rust dust in gas tank

W

wrndln

Well-known member
This may have been covered before, but I don't know. The gas tank in the car I am restoring, a 29 phaeton, has been empty for a long time. The gas tank is in the car and painted. When I removed the shutoff valve on the bottom of the tank, there was some rust dust on the top of the valve that was inside the empty tank. I believe the tank is probably OK, with no leaks. I am now trying to figure out how to remove rust dust that is undoubtedly in the bottom of the tank. I could just put an inline gas filter on the gas line from the sediment bowl and the carburetor and change it when it fills up with rust particles after putting gas in the tank and running the engine. However, I would rather get the rust dust out before putting gas in the tank. If anyone has suggestions on how to remove most or all the rust dust, please post a response.
Thanks
 
There are several rust removing liquids on the market. Evapo-rust is one. It puts the rust in solution and will not harm the un-rusted steel. It is not toxic. You could put a gallon in the tank and then slosh it around by jumping on the running board. There are others that can be diluted to fill up the 10 gallon tank.

After that, put a gallon of gasoline in the tank and slosh it around and then drain it.

Google "rust remover".
 
The rust removal products range from mild to ridiculously aggressive. I suggest choosing something mild for a Model A fuel tank. After sloshing it around to coat all internal surfaces- Leave it overnight. I have had great success with simple vinegar/distilled water mixtures. Just be sure you rinse the tank VERY well afterward. Diesel fuel makes an excellent fuel tank rinse solution.

This video might help with the rest once the tank is rust-free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU75xsikTps
 
I'm wondering if you could build up some air pressure in the tank via the filler neck and release it via the shut off valve at the bottom, especially if it is dust.
 
I agree with posts 2 and 4. Before I take those steps I have a smal hose that I have adapted to a shop vac. I use the shop vacuum to pull what I can, flush out well with water, then proceed with the steps above. If the car is finished, you can pull the floorboards and let everything go out the bottom of the tank and on the floor.
 
Just how serious is this rust? Just powder? Blow it out until you gat no more red clouds.They can stand a little bit of rust floating around.That's what the sediment bowl is for.Use a finger screen in the shutoff valve,the screen in the sediment bowl,and the screen in the carb inlet.Those all work pretty good.The actual inlet to the jets is raised up a little in the carb,not on the bottom,so silt can settle there too.If the tank truly has no fumes,the shop vac will do a good job.Gas fumes and a shop vac make a lot of noise.I have a vac for sucking the gas out of boat bilges,that one is safe,but a regular one,very entertaining.
 
Thanks to all that responded. I now have some useful ideas on how to remove the powdered rust.
Rusty Nelson
 
Sorry guys, I wasn't thinking about it but when I use a vacuum, the tank hasn't seen gas in a long time. They are usually dry and odor/fume free.
 
I'm wondering if you could build up some air pressure in the tank via the filler neck and release it via the shut off valve at the bottom, especially if it is dust.



I blow them out with a shop vac. never any harm..............
 
ronn,
Your idea sounds good. It could also detect any leaks - thanks. I think a few pounds of pressure would be enough.
Rusty Nelson
 
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