Hi Guys,

Ok I finally got round to changing my leaky fuel tank and I’m pleased to say my new one got here today. My quick question here is. When I checked out the new tank I noticed that there is a small amount of light oil covering both the inside and outside of the tank. (Presumably to protect it) Is it ok to leave that on the inside of the tank before I fill it with fresh fuel, or should I try to clean it out before refitting it?

Cheers……..Speed.

 

I dont see where it would hurt it.

Might cause more problems with whatever cleaning solvent you might use then whatever minimal amount of oil (which does burn) will go thru the system.

 

Was the tank bare unpainted steel? If so, you might want to find a zinc-rich cold galvanizing coating (usually at a welding shop in a spray can) to spray on the tank to prevent EXTERIOR rust.

As for on the inside, yeah, I agree w/Dale; the gasoline will eat that oil away pretty fast with minimal problem. You might also want to find one of those "anti-rust gas tank lining" chemicals; basically you pour the chems into a new gas tank, swish 'em around, and dump them out- and the tank won't rust on the inside. See http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...emType=PRODUCT for an example.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I took out the old tank a few days ago and found that the bottom was covered in metal particles that were also adhering to the fuel strainer. On closer inspection I found that the rusty bits came off the sender units fuel pipes! Anyway the sender works fine so I’ve cleaned it up to re use it (already spent way too much money!) I fitted a new pump, filter and strainer though along with sender unit to tank seal and cam ring as well as painted the exterior of the new tank.
I’m currently re fitting a new stainless steel intermittent exhaust pipe along with muffler and tail pipes to replace the shot ones I’d got.
Hopefully I’ll be ready to fill the new tank in the next day or two and fingers crossed will be back on the road for the first time since last October.

Thanks again for the help guys. Speedbird.

 

farm n fleet, tractor supply or even Walmart will have farm equipment grad paint. Very durable and meant to stick to anything well.

Or you could even buy a few cans of plastic-dip or similar product. its a rubberized coting like on tool handles. You can dip parts into it or brush it on. $5-6 a can.

 

Thanks Gumby,

I settled on Hammerite for the tank, I don't know if you can get it over there (U.S.) but its a heavy paint that inhibits rust etc. Anyway, gave the tank a good coat of silver grey yesterday and fitted it today. Was suprised to see that the new tank looked bigger than the one I took out, but it fits like a glove anyway. Just having trouble fitting the new stainless exhaust under the rear frame rails now!
Oh hum what fun

Thanks for the suggestions guys......Speed.

 

Hammerite is some good stuff. I used it once.Got it at biglots.
Used it to paint a motorcycle tank. As I was tired of gas eating
off my spray paint jobs. It has fiberglass or something in it. Very durable and nice finish.

 

Yeah sure is, it's worked wonders on the diff, sway bar etc. All had lost some of their factory paint (especially the diff) and because I don't want to strip the car down any more than I have done so far (just about the limit of my experience!) I used it best I could on the diff in situ and it's worked wonders. Lets hope all the hard works paid off

Speed.