How to Keep a Gas Tank From Rusting

Rust in a gas tank can eventually cause a big problem if it results in filters being blocked. Rust buildup is more common in small vehicles like motorcycles, where the tank has more exposure to the elements. Moisture is needed to cause rust in any circumstance, so keeping moisture from building up in the gas tank is the best way to keep it from rusting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fuel stabilizer
• High-octane gasoline
• Rust dissolver
• Anti-rust coating

1. Keep the gas tank filled with gasoline as often as possible. The closer to full the tank is, the less space is available for moisture to build up. Adding a fuel stabilizer in the tank will help take up even more space.

2. Use a high-octane fuel. The lower the octane, the more alcohol there is in the gasoline, which will attract water and allow more moisture to build up within the tank.

3. Avoid storing the vehicle in a dank location and/or covered in a tarp for a long time. All of these factors will contribute to rust buildup.

4. Eliminate any rust that has built up within the tank by using a rust dissolver. You will need to disconnect the tank, drain it and plug all openings first. The procedure usually involves pouring a pint of phosphoric acid and half a tankful of water into the tank, agitating it, poring it out, repeating this with the sodium metasilicate, and letting the tank dry.

5. Apply an anti-rust coating material to the inside of the tank; Kreem and RedCoat are two examples. Pour the substance into the tank, rotate the tank until the coating covers the entire inner surface, and wait for the coating to cure. The coating often has a lifetime guarantee if it is applied correctly.

References

• Grassroots Motorsports
• Scooter BBS

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