rusty fuel tank

Jeremy:

If you want to make sure that there is no rust in your tank and that the tank is properly sealed, then do what I did for my Cub.

I took it down to a professional tank repair shop, radiator shops also repair gas tanks. Have them dip it, steam it or whatever procedure they use to neutralize the tank and remove the rust. Then have them seal the tank with the professional stuff - Red Coat or whatever they use.

It has been over a year, no more dirt except what comes with the gas these days, no chipping, no rust, no worries.

• Cub Manuals

The only suggestions I would make would be to get 2 whole kits as there are really just enough chemicals in there to treat a motorcycle gas tank. The other advice is to use hot water when you add the acid to the tank. I am not making this part up. It evens says in the instructions to use hot water. I just used warm and really wish I had done what I was supposed to as it would have kick started the etching reaction a little better.

As I said, there are likely a thousand suggestions but I do know that Kreem worked very well for me.

Sean

One thing you must do with any sealer is be sure to completely remove any moisture residue in the tank.
Most sealers specify using a solvent such as MEK (Methyl Ethyl Keytone sp?) to wash out the tank and completely remove all traces of moisture.
It is not nessisary to remove every bit of rust, as long as the loose rust is flushed out the sealer will cover any surface rust.

Be prepared to spend some time as it will take a couple of days to clean and let the tank properly air dry.

After the sealer is in place the best thing is leave the tank out in the sun for at least 2 or 3 days until all traces of the smell of the sealant is gone.

Its not a real easy job, it gets messy and you must follow the directions and you better have a helper. Be sure you get enough sealer too, for a M tank I usually pour in 2 quarts so I have plenty to slosh around and I don't have to worry about trying to get a small amount completely around the tank. After I'm done coating the tank I usually get about 1-1/2 quarts back out when I drain the excess. Drain the excess back into the can and seal the lid and it will keep for a long long time so you can use it on your next project.

Doc