Cleaning inside a gas tank

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Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby sureshotbob » Fri Feb 15, 2019 4:11 pm

I just picked up a pretty nice gas tank for my 48 build . I know it's not correct as it's the type with the long rear mount and the front mount is welded to the front outside of the tunnel . It has very little light rust inside my question is should I clean it and use a sealer or just clean and let it be ? I payed about $50.00 more than I wanted but can live with that a it's in the best condition I've seen so far.
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Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby Mutt » Fri Feb 15, 2019 5:00 pm

Bob, ya should have checked with me. I think I have a 48-49 tank.

I would clean it and pressure test it with 2-3 psi of pressure in a sink full of water If it doesn't leak, I wouldn't seal it

Mutt
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Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby Keith Hummer » Fri Feb 15, 2019 7:25 pm

But if you do decide to seal it DO NOT use Cream tank sealer or any other sealers unless you want to have to clean it out and reseal. I have used Caswell's epoxy tank seal on many tanks and have had nothing but excellent results. It will seal pin holes, split seams and rust holes to a certain degree. caswellplating.com. Get your tank up to the point of painting before sealing.
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Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby sureshotbob » Sun Feb 17, 2019 8:38 am

I picked up some Evaporust to clean out the very fine rust out of my gas tank .
But was wondering what you guy's do to seal the gas cap filler to do a pressure test as I believe the cap is vented ?
I'll use the petcock port to put in a few pounds of air into the tank.
The tank is in really good shape but I want to make sure it's good before painting it.
I read up on the sealer from Caswell plating recommended by Keith Hummer and if it needs to be sealed that's what I'll use.
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Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby sureshotbob » Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:13 pm

Well sense nobody replied about how to cap off the gas cap to do a air pressure test on my gas tank I got thinking { sometimes a dangerous thing }
Being a retired Sprinkler fitter I took a 2" rubber test cap used on PVC piping and it fit perfectly over the filler neck . I snugged up the hose clamp and did a simple blow back test and it seems to be holding fine next I'll pump a couple of pounds of air into the tank and put it into a tank of water to make sure it holds air with no leaks .
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Location: Litchfield county Ct.

Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby bobscogin » Thu Feb 21, 2019 4:50 pm

Good idea. I use a length of bicycle inner tube with the stem still in it, seal off one end, and clamp the other end over the filler neck. Inflate the tube to a couple of psi and it gives additional volume for the leak test.

Bob
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Re: Cleaning inside a gas tank

Postby sureshotbob » Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:33 pm

Well I did the pressure test today and found a pin hole by the front left tank mount. It looks like I'll bead blast the area to clean it and have a very good friend that is a pro that can do any type of welding weld it up.
After I'll do another pressure test then bead blast the rest of the tank to prep. it for paint.
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