Cleaning inside gas tank

Max777 · 01-01-2010, 09:11 PM

Hey guys, I recently bought a walbro 255lph fuel pump, and during the process of installing it, I found out that I have a lot of crud on on the bottom of my gas tank, as well as rust on the sides.

I did some research, and found that a good way to fix this, is to use a 50/50 solution of Muratic acid and water to eat the rust, then flush it with water, and chase with alcohol to remove moisture, after which, to pour tank sealer on the inside of the tank, and let it cure.

This has been done by people on the evil forum, as well as a lot of people who own mopeds and motorcycles.

(PS: Muratic Acid can be safely diluted by using banking soda, so it's safe afterwards)

Another thing I found some people posting, is that they took their tank to a radiator shop to get the same thing done to it.

Does anyone here have experience with this, or can give me any tips?

Thanks,

Max.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-01-2010, 10:32 PM

Yeah, don't do it.

I was clogging fuel filters withen a 1000 miles becuase the ethanol was attacking the coating and sending epoxy through my fuel system. I was finding chunks of the coating floating around in the fuel tank

I have a boat at my place right now that needs a new fuel tank becuase the ethanol is going after the fiberglass fuel tank, I was pulling yogurt out of his fuel filters.

Clean the tank, but don't seal it. If you do seal it, talk to the manufacturer and make sure that whatever they sell is compatible with ethanol.

Max777 · 01-02-2010, 01:16 AM

Ok.

I am planning to talk to someone local who has done this job as well as calling my local radiator shops to see if they can clean the tank out.

I'm sure glad that you posted that info btw, I never did read far enough in your thread to figure out what the problem was.

C. Ludwig · 01-02-2010, 09:11 AM

Radiator shop is the way to go, around here at least.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-02-2010, 12:16 PM

Yeah, I took mine to a rad shop probably 6-7 years ago. Everything was fine until this spring. I would be VERY careful and probably not seal it, just clean it.

Hell, for the price of a new tank, I'm buying a new tank..... $357 I think? I was quoted $350 to clean and seal my old back-up tank and they couldn't tell me whether or not thier sealer was ethanol compatible. I'm not taking a chance to save $7 and some shipping.

Max777 · 01-02-2010, 06:53 PM

Lol, I just called a local AAA radiator and brake shop today, and the guy tried to sell me a new tank, he also would not listen to what I had to say, and kept asking me about year make model... what a douche bag.

I will try some other local shops on monday. As a side note, I found out why my fuel gauge did not work! The bloke who last changed the fuel pump must have removed it... currently waiting on a replacement one.

Was the 350 for a complete job, or just to bring the tank in? I found price quotes of around $100 from other people who did the radiator shop thing.

And where did you get the 357 price for a fuel tank? I only found one from Mazda at $1200!

My5ABaby · 01-02-2010, 09:43 PM

Not sure about the $357, but Mazdatrix has them for $506.84

http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=42-110D-FB01

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-02-2010, 09:48 PM

I don't pay dealer, or web for stock parts.... I have my ways

Max777 · 01-03-2010, 12:04 AM

Mazda Motorsports Program? I guess I could try that, but regardless I am not planning to buy a new tank anyway, so it would be useless.

Mobius · 01-03-2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

I don't pay dealer, or web for stock parts.... I have my ways

So then why post this:

Quote:

Hell, for the price of a new tank, I'm buying a new tank..... $357 I think?

You make it sound like anyone can go and pick up a new tank for $357, so it's not worth it to clean the old one out. Not very helpful to the OP if it isn't something that is attainable to the average joe. If you were to reveal your source, that might be helpful.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-03-2010, 01:18 PM

MazdaMotorsports Program

Not very hard to get into the program and yes, every average Joe that can handle his car on a track, or even auto-x can get into the program.

Max777 · 01-05-2010, 12:49 AM

well, I found a guy that will do my tank for $98, even coat the outside too. He works at a radiator shop, but has a boil tank at his home shop. I went down today to drop off my tank, and the guy looks legit. He had some tanks laying around that were done, or in the process of being done.

I talked to him about the tank sealer, and he told me that a bigger problem than ethanol is old fuel. Apparently when people seal their tank, and then let the gas sit in it for a long time, it begins to varnish, and the varnish is what really attacks the finish.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-05-2010, 10:33 AM

I'd be VERY leary. Such to the point that I wouldn't do it but Dave and I fought this problem for months, and all I've been seeing in the marine world is fuel related problems for years too. Ethanol blows.

Max777 · 01-05-2010, 09:50 PM

Well, I will call the guy, and tell him not to coat it unless there are holes in it or something.

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-05-2010, 11:24 PM

If there are holes in it you have other concerns and should find a used tank.

01-01-2010, 09:11 PM	#1
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	Cleaning inside gas tank Hey guys, I recently bought a walbro 255lph fuel pump, and during the process of installing it, I found out that I have a lot of crud on on the bottom of my gas tank, as well as rust on the sides. I did some research, and found that a good way to fix this, is to use a 50/50 solution of Muratic acid and water to eat the rust, then flush it with water, and chase with alcohol to remove moisture, after which, to pour tank sealer on the inside of the tank, and let it cure. This has been done by people on the evil forum, as well as a lot of people who own mopeds and motorcycles. (PS: Muratic Acid can be safely diluted by using banking soda, so it's safe afterwards) Another thing I found some people posting, is that they took their tank to a radiator shop to get the same thing done to it. Does anyone here have experience with this, or can give me any tips? Thanks, Max. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

01-01-2010, 10:32 PM	#2
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Yeah, don't do it. I was clogging fuel filters withen a 1000 miles becuase the ethanol was attacking the coating and sending epoxy through my fuel system. I was finding chunks of the coating floating around in the fuel tank I have a boat at my place right now that needs a new fuel tank becuase the ethanol is going after the fiberglass fuel tank, I was pulling yogurt out of his fuel filters. Clean the tank, but don't seal it. If you do seal it, talk to the manufacturer and make sure that whatever they sell is compatible with ethanol. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-02-2010, 01:16 AM	#3
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	Ok. I am planning to talk to someone local who has done this job as well as calling my local radiator shops to see if they can clean the tank out. I'm sure glad that you posted that info btw, I never did read far enough in your thread to figure out what the problem was. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

01-02-2010, 09:11 AM	#4
C. Ludwig Rotary Masochist Join Date: May 2008 Location: Floyds Knobs, IN iTrader: (5) Posts: 494 Rep Power: 17	Radiator shop is the way to go, around here at least. __________________ _______________________________________________ *One stop Haltech, AEM, Syvecs shopping. Installation and tuning.* http://www.lms-efi.com *Free support. Drop us an email.* chris@lms-efi.com 502-515-7482 Facebook @LMS-EFI

01-02-2010, 12:16 PM	#5
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Yeah, I took mine to a rad shop probably 6-7 years ago. Everything was fine until this spring. I would be VERY careful and probably not seal it, just clean it. Hell, for the price of a new tank, I'm buying a new tank..... $357 I think? I was quoted $350 to clean and seal my old back-up tank and they couldn't tell me whether or not thier sealer was ethanol compatible. I'm not taking a chance to save $7 and some shipping. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-02-2010, 06:53 PM	#6
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	Lol, I just called a local AAA radiator and brake shop today, and the guy tried to sell me a new tank, he also would not listen to what I had to say, and kept asking me about year make model... what a douche bag. I will try some other local shops on monday. As a side note, I found out why my fuel gauge did not work! The bloke who last changed the fuel pump must have removed it... currently waiting on a replacement one. Was the 350 for a complete job, or just to bring the tank in? I found price quotes of around $100 from other people who did the radiator shop thing. And where did you get the 357 price for a fuel tank? I only found one from Mazda at $1200! __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated! Last edited by Max777; 01-02-2010 at 07:03 PM..

01-02-2010, 09:43 PM	#7
My5ABaby Sigh..... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (6) Posts: 2,377 Rep Power: 19	Not sure about the $357, but Mazdatrix has them for $506.84 http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=42-110D-FB01 __________________ 1986 Sport: 132k miles, 5A (Sapphire Blue Metallic), Tokico Blues, Racing Beat Springs, Custom LED tailights (only S4 LED tails in the world), SSR Mark II, Racing Beat exhaust, S5 black interior, Rotary Resurrection rebuild at 120k miles Community Service Manual RotorWiki "Imagination costs nothing; we could build square locomotives or fly to Mars" - Felix Wankel Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present."

01-02-2010, 09:48 PM	#8
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	I don't pay dealer, or web for stock parts.... I have my ways __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-03-2010, 12:04 AM	#9
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	Mazda Motorsports Program? I guess I could try that, but regardless I am not planning to buy a new tank anyway, so it would be useless. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

01-03-2010, 01:18 PM	#11
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	MazdaMotorsports Program Not very hard to get into the program and yes, every average Joe that can handle his car on a track, or even auto-x can get into the program. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-05-2010, 12:49 AM	#12
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	well, I found a guy that will do my tank for $98, even coat the outside too. He works at a radiator shop, but has a boil tank at his home shop. I went down today to drop off my tank, and the guy looks legit. He had some tanks laying around that were done, or in the process of being done. I talked to him about the tank sealer, and he told me that a bigger problem than ethanol is old fuel. Apparently when people seal their tank, and then let the gas sit in it for a long time, it begins to varnish, and the varnish is what really attacks the finish. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

01-05-2010, 10:33 AM	#13
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	I'd be VERY leary. Such to the point that I wouldn't do it but Dave and I fought this problem for months, and all I've been seeing in the marine world is fuel related problems for years too. Ethanol blows. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-05-2010, 09:50 PM	#14
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	Well, I will call the guy, and tell him not to coat it unless there are holes in it or something. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

01-05-2010, 11:24 PM	#15
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	If there are holes in it you have other concerns and should find a used tank. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**