Rusty fuel tank (8N)

[rluscomb]

I have a 1950 8N, frony dist, 12v Conv.. The fuel tank is pretty rusty, stuck some 1/4" nuts in it, strapped it to my farmall cub rear tire, and let the nuts rattle around for awhile. Can I clean it out w/muratic acid? if so how much should I use to and how long should I let it soak? Thanks, and happy new year

 

[lha]

Phosphoric acid would be better,then followed by soapy water,then clean water,then alcohol.The alcohol should remove any water present.The phosphoric acid renders the rust more or less harmless in that the metal won't rust as easily again.I cleaned my tank this way,and have found no rust in my bowl since.Good luck---lha

 

[Hobo,NC]

Sure then the rust will come back before you bolt it back on... Nuttin less of a good cleaning and a liner installed proper will take care of your issue...

The other option is a new tank then you can forget it for a nutter 60 years...
Any a tempt to just etch the inside of the tank is prolonging the inevitable...
Would you sand blast your hood, etch it and then run it with no paint/sealer are any protection...

 

[Anonymous-0]

I took a gas tank from another tractor to my trusted Radiator show.. The ran it through their "Lye (?{}" bath,( 'BOILED" it out) then flushed it and even soldered up a few pin holes. They put a bit of diesel fuel in it just to keep it coated until I could get it back in service.
Nary a problem after wards.

 

[soqueu]

I agree to take it ti the radiator shop for professional cleaning and repair. Otherwise buy a new tank or a rust free tank

 

[Scott3743]

I believe that there are 4 ways to solve your problem;

1) use the various chemicals and ideas which knowledgeable YT members have already suggested $50.00 -100.00

2) buy a new or reconditioned gas tank from an aftermarket tractor parts supply dealer $ 225.00 275.00

3) buy a serviceable used tank from a reputable tractor salvage dealer $75.00 - 150.00

4) consult with an antique auto restoration equipment, parts and supply dealer as to what modern restoration means sre presently being used within the industry.

It would be my suggestion that you consider doing number 4 before investing any money or making any decision.

Scott

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 06:29:25 12/29/10) I have a 1950 8N, frony dist, 12v Conv.. The fuel tank is pretty rusty, stuck some 1/4" nuts in it, strapped it to my farmall cub rear tire, and let the nuts rattle around for awhile. Can I clean it out w/muratic acid? if so how much should I use to and how long should I let it soak? Thanks, and happy new year

I spec the appeal of these old tractors is folks can rigger nig'em and feel very proud of their accomplishments...

 

[Anonymous-0]

Eastwood Company sells a kit for cleaning and resealing rust gas tanks.

 

[Walston]

(quoted from post at 14:02:23 12/29/10) I took a gas tank from another tractor to my trusted Radiator show.. The ran it through their "Lye (?{}" bath,( 'BOILED" it out) then flushed it and even soldered up a few pin holes. They put a bit of diesel fuel in it just to keep it coated until I could get it back in service.
Nary a problem after wards.

Radiator shop in Parkersburg, WV cleaned mine and put a polymer liner in it for $35. "Good for another 50 years" was what the technician told me. It was very clean after they did their cleaning stuff and then they put in the liner liner.

 

[lha]

I asked the same question about liner about 1 yr ago and was told that there is no "majic"in a bottle to line a tank.I cleaned and treated,with phosphoric acid,the tank on my 9n.I have kept it full of gas with marine sta-bil,and have kept up with the screen on the glass bowl,and no rust has come out in a yr.I was in business in South Padre Island Tx,one of the most corrosive environments on earth,and had to work with rust on a daily basis.It was a large part of my income,so one could say that I know something about the subject.I was ridiculed 1 year ago for asking about a liner,and now everyone is advising it.---lha

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 01:57:53 12/30/10) I asked the same question about liner about 1 yr ago and was told that there is no "majic"in a bottle to line a tank.I cleaned and treated,with phosphoric acid,the tank on my 9n.I have kept it full of gas with marine sta-bil,and have kept up with the screen on the glass bowl,and no rust has come out in a yr.I was in business in South Padre Island Tx,one of the most corrosive environments on earth,and had to work with rust on a daily basis.It was a large part of my income,so one could say that I know something about the subject.I was ridiculed 1 year ago for asking about a liner,and now everyone is advising it.---lha

Twaz not me,,, I am not into master rigger nig'n like most are here... a new tank will last a lifetime, a lined tank done up rite will last a lifetime,,, why take the gamble,,, clean fuel is hard to beat....

A fuel tank is safe container for flammable fluids,,, I won't the best clean leak free tank I can come up with...