gas tank minor rust

[oldmopar]

I have a tank for my p15 looks good but inside I just see some rust sports starting to take hold. I was thinking of putting some phosphoric acid in to clean up the rust will this work or is there something better to use.

Also considering sealing the tank with the a sealer but not sure if I will have a problem with the in tank filter but I guess I could push some air through the filter but not sure if that would affect the sealer.

Or maybe just clean the rust and forget the sealer any suggestions from those that have done this

Ed

[Norm's Coupe]

An acid wash should do the trick. Just don't make the acid too strong. Don't know about keeping the filter and tube clear with the sealer. However, some time ago a few people said they would stick a wire through the pickup tube to keep it open when they sealed the tank. Then remove the wire after the tank was sealed. Never done this myself, but they said it worked for them. Think those post were made on the old forum, so should be in the archives.

[Young Ed]

Air is better. Or if you do the wire you have to keep it moving. A guy I know wrecked his minty truck tank because the wire got stuck in the pickup tube with dried sealer. He had cut open his tank and cut a little bit off the end of the pickup until it was open again.

[RobertKB]

I personally would avoid sealer. I know some people recommend it but I have heard a lot of horror stories. Acid would work. I have used vinegar and let it sit for a few days and then just lightly rubbed it to remove the last of the rust. Being a very weak acid it just takes a bit of time. A good rinse before using would be recommended of course.

[48mirage]

I've cleaned and sealed a set of HD tanks (Red Kote). One of the tricks to keep things from getting plugged is to keep a small amount of air flowing through the tank. This helps with the drying and keeps the openings clear. You want the solvent smell to be gone before you introduce gasoline or it will stop the curing process.

[oldmopar]

The tank is in good shape so I think I will skip the sealer and just use the acid or maybe try the vinegar its cheap enough that I could dump 5 or 6 gallons in and see what happens.

Ed

[Don Jordan]

Finally a topic came up that I am experiencing right now.

I bought a car that had been sitting in the desert for about 25 years. Trying to be proactive I took the tank to a radiator shop and had it boiled out and coated. That was about 10 years ago. I can not explain this but I think the tank began to rust between the coating and the tank.

I took it to a different radiator shop. Here's what I'm dealing with. He will boil it out, soak it in something that will remove the coating then recoat it: $250. Price of a new tank: $250. Conundrum! I went to the Tanks, Inc web site. There is a picture of what they are calling a 41 - 48 Plymouth tank. It just doesn't look right to me. I faxed Tanks and asked for more pictures - they told me I should just go with the radiator shop. They didn't seem to want my business.

Worst case if they can't get to the rust or if the metal is too thin then they will split the tank, repair all the weak metal, and make an insert.

I didn't know what else to do. The guy told me it will have a life time guaranteer - but then at my age that doesn't mean much.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I feel pretty certain that it was not that they did not want your business..it would appear they was concerned with the fact that you wanted a direct replacement for your stock unit and it is not to be as such and to prevent a possible dissatisfied customer wishing refund on a used item..they may have felt it best you stick with local service and your stock tank....a little modification is necessary...

[Norm's Coupe]

Don,

I have to agree with Tim about why they told you to stick with the old tank at the radiator shop. From your fax they probably assumed you would not be happy if you had to modify things. So........they took the good road to valor and backed off from selling you the tank. Sometimes it's better to loose a potential sale if you think you are going to have a problem, then the customer say's your part is not what it's advertised to be, simply because it isn't exactly like the original.

[Young Ed]

What I can't understand is why they don't take a few extra steps and make a direct replacement? Same with the tanks for 39-47 mopar trucks. The tank is all the same up into the really big trucks and most of them are smashed dented rusted etc. Even the tank in my truck has a huge dent along the entire bottom. That tank is the most basic shape too that it should be easy to remake.

[Don Jordan]

Norm, Tim

Thank you. Isn't it interesting that it's all a matter of perspective. I looked at this situation thinking I was wronged and you looked at the situation like the company was looking out for me and themselves.

You are right - I probably wouldn't have been satisfied if I had a tank that didn't fit exactly - it's silly but I've heard of worse. People with old cars can be picky. Knobs, colors, engine, door handles, wheels, tires - you get the point.

I just mentioned on another thread - I bought a throttle cable on the bay because it had a stock knob. silly

[Plymouthy Adams]

Ed...these tanks are an adaptaion of a Ford unit..Mother Mopar would probably sue them if it was a direct fit...yes they are that ad..that is why the industry is not supportinve of our cars...so it is easier to say "fit with a little modification" make one that fits and let the others make do..

[Young Ed]

So maybe the GM merger would have some advantages.

Don I didn't want to mess around adapting a tank so I had mine gone through by gas tank renu. Cost a little more then a new one but it fit right back in with no mods. Lining is guaranteed for life.

[Don Jordan]

yup - that's the one