Fuel tank storage

**Bluerex** · 28-07-2005, 08:08 AM

The "book" says that once the tank is removed from the vehicle, it MUST be steam cleaned to remove all traces of fuel and vapor. Anyone done this or got any suggestions. I would rather not blow my shed up.

C

Belgianwaffler · 28-07-2005, 09:51 AM

Wash it with metho then let it dry completety (in the sun would be good) then seal all ends; that is what I did to my last one and I'm still around ...
also when you store a that lawn mower "fuel can" in the shed your basically storing a small fuel tank ...as long as it's a storage space and not your workshop (ie:grinding, welding going on) then you should be fine.

**peter_j_g** · 28-07-2005, 09:52 AM

Hi,

Try this - Fill the tank completely full of water, then empty it out, and put it outside in the sun to dry completely.

**Bluerex** · 28-07-2005, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Belgianwaffler

Wash it with metho then let it dry completety (in the sun would be good) then seal all ends; that is what I did to my last one and I'm still around ...
also when you store a that lawn mower "fuel can" in the shed your basically storing a small fuel tank ...as long as it's a storage space and not your workshop (ie:grinding, welding going on) then you should be fine.

So you haven't seen my portable welding bench with its fuel can supports

But seriously, I think a combination of the washout and metho sounds like the trick.

Thanks

C

Belgianwaffler · 28-07-2005, 10:36 AM

oh oh

Metho mixes with petrol and is also less dense thus should be able to bind well to the petrol left in there .... metho also has water in it thus why you need to leave it to dry out well.

**roccodingo** · 28-07-2005, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by Belgianwaffler

oh oh

Metho mixes with petrol and is also less dense thus should be able to bind well to the petrol left in there .... metho also has water in it thus why you need to leave it to dry out well.

I hot caustic dip mine, removers fumes, rust paint etc... then u can re weld it if need be.Then coat the inside with a good sloshing of oil and CRC...stored with holes capped also...

**Bluerex** · 29-07-2005, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by roccodingo

I hot caustic dip mine, removers fumes, rust paint etc.

Is this something you get done commercially? or is there a DIY option? Hmmm do I really want to play with hot caustic solutions in the back yard..... maybe not

C

**roccodingo** · 29-07-2005, 11:49 PM

have a look see in the yellow pages under chemical cleaning.. etc..
We had a hot tank where i was working a few years ago, the parts come up a treat.. the chemicals are biodegradeable these days..

One of the scirocco fuel tanks had gummed up fuel in the outlet pipe, so it was in the dip for about 3 days, removed all the residue gum from fuel sitting in it for 6 years..soldered a small hole, had it sandblasted then painted with 2 pack.

You may find a hot tank at an engine reconditioner also...