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Gas Tank Rust Issue 1982 Seca 550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by stv1991, Dec 30, 2011.

  1. stv1991

    stv1991 Member

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    Just bought a cosmetically nice gas tank for my 1982 Seca 550. While the outside looks nice, the inside has rust. Is there something I can do to remedy this or does anyone know of some company that could refurbush the inside of this tank?

    Thanks in advance....
     
  2. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    Depends on how bad the rust is.

    There are a few options.

    There is a company that refinishes gas tanks. Can't remember their name, but last time I looked it was $300 for a 5 gallon motorcycle tank.

    OR

    If the rust is severe: you can "sand" the inside of the tank.
    First with 1/4" nuts to knock the big stuff loose.
    Then follow up with PLAY sand and water mix = liquid sandpaper
    You will eventually get tired of shaking the hell out of the tank, and when you empty it you still have to worry about getting ALL that sand out

    You can also do a forum search for "electrolysis" and read instructions on how to use a battery charger, a rod, and some wash soda to electrically remove the rust.

    OR

    For cases of light rusting or surface rust, rinse tank with phosphoric acid, then coat inside with a couple ounces of 2-stroke oil or fill tank with fuel.
     
  3. slowboattochina

    slowboattochina Member

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    If the rust is not too severe you can use Jasco Prep & Primer for Rusted and New Metal. I used it on my 82 turbo gas tank and it did a great job.

    You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot. I poured the entire quart in, shook it around and let it set for an hour then repeated two more times. I imagine you could go through the process as many times as needed to remove the rust.
     
  4. Darth_Menace

    Darth_Menace Member

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    I installed a fuel filter to help with this problem :)
     
  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    An inline fuel filter is a MUST even once the rust has been dealt with.

    Putting rocks, gravel, BB's, old nuts-n-bolts in a tank is NOT all that good of an idea, no matter what you use it's really fun trying to get it all back out. Trust me.

    For mild-to-moderate rust, a Phosphoric acid flush as suggested above can and will work quite well;

    for more serious rust, electrolysis followed by the acid flush is probably advised.

    If the tank was badly rusted, you might consider using one of the popular tank-lining products on the market; such as Kreem http://kreem.com/ or POR-15: http://www.por15.com/

    I can't comment on the effectiveness of the various tank-lining products, I've never had the need to use one myself.
     
  6. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    I've never used a tank liner myself, but my 650R was lined by PO with Kreem.

    I would NOT recommend Kreem. I've heard nothing but bad things about it, and all the work I'm doing on the inside of this tank, I see why.

    POR-15 on the other hand, I have heard very good things about. Never used it myself though.

    And I've heard very good things about Caswell Plating.

    I know Caswell sells good products, back in the day when I ran the buffing/polishing shop I ordered a few things from them.
     
  7. stv1991

    stv1991 Member

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  8. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    I almost always use Caswell. The only thing I don't like about it is it's clear, I should email them and ask them for a dyed version.

    I've had to remove failing Kreem from a tank and it's not a job you ever want to do. Kreem will also instantly remove paint, which is why I avoid using it.

    With any of them proper prep is essential, although the Caswell seems to be pretty forgiving. They recommend that light rust be left in place as it helps the stuff stick. One thing about the Caswell, it flat out refuses to flow at anything below 70deg F. Pay attention to their recommendations on temperature.
     
  9. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    how much rust? if it's not flaking off leave it alone, surface rust won't hurt anything.
    could you post a picture of it ?
     
  10. adrian1

    adrian1 Active Member

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