How to Clean a Severely Rusted Gas Tank

Checking your gas tank for rust should be high on your maintenance list for any mechanical item.

Rust is never a good thing when it comes to mechanical objects such as motorcycles, mopeds, cars, trucks and SUVs. Severe rust can damage the engine of a mechanical item quicker than anything else, so it is crucial that you perform 6-month checkups on your gas tank. You can do a checkup by siphoning out the gas and pouring it over a strainer to see if there is any rust in the gasoline. When you discover rust, it is imperative that you clean it out as soon as possible so you do not harm your engine.

Things You'll Need

• Rust removing liquid
• Duct or electrical tape
• Garden hose
• Warm soapy water
• Towels
• Box fan (optional)
• 2 buckets, 10 gallons each

Instructions

1. Remove the gas tank from the mechanical object if it is not already unhooked. Pour out the gasoline into one of the 10 gallon buckets. Dispose of the gasoline in accordance with your local laws if there is rust in the gasoline.

2. Tape all the open holes shut with duct tape or electrical tape. Leave the largest hole open and pour the rust removing liquid into the gas tank. Tape up the large hole and shake around the gas tank for at least 30 minutes.

3. Set out a towel and place the gas tank on top of the towel. Allow the gas tank to sit for one hour, and then agitate the gas tank by slowly turning it from one side to another for five minutes. Make sure the liquid touches all surfaces inside the tank. Continue agitating for five minutes every hour for 24 hours.

4. Strain out the rust removing liquid into the second 10 gallon bucket. You can then pour the liquid back into its original container and reuse it if reuse is specified on the label. Some rust removing products can be used over and over again, as long as it is strained after each use.

5. Rinse out the gas tank with the garden hose. Pour some warm, soapy water in the gas tank and shake vigorously. Then pour the dirty liquid into the first 10 gallon bucket containing the gasoline.

6. Rinse out the gas tank again and remove all taping. Dry thoroughly on the towels before replacing the gas tank and refilling it with gasoline.

Tips & Warnings

• Severe damage can occur if the gas tank is not completely dry. Dry the tank thoroughly and check it before reconnecting the gas tank.

References

• OldRice.com: Gas Tank Cleaning