Fuel Tank Trouble

[Rainman]

Hey All,

Working on this 64 Kaiser project, and yanked the top off the fuel tank today. Other than
having a double gasket on it, there are a few holes in the lid that had been covered over with
silicone, I do have a bigger problem. Dropped a couple bolts into the tank, and when I reached
in for them, I can feel 1/4 to 1/2 inch of crud in the bottom of the tank. Feels like soft tar in
there. Whats my next move, start scraping with a putty knife or have it boiled at a radiator
shop? I'm open to suggestions, and some of you guys have been here before, right?





Thanks,
Rainman

[Spike]

Buy a new tank. From what you describe it is not worth the time, money and frustration it will take to save that tank.

Try: http://www.muttparts.com/usedparts.htm

Or, you can get a NOS one from surplus city in Oroville for $300.

[Homer]

As long as the tank is structurally sound, i.e. no holes or rust out, you could have the tank boil out, you could use acetone and desolve the crud or get a tank cleaning kit. I wouldn't use it until then since there could be major gumming of the rest of the fuel system.

[Spike]

This topic pops up once in a while.

There are a variety of ways to clean the tank like; filling with rock shards and shaking, pressure washing, solvents, dipping. All with varying degrees of success. Then you have to weld the holes up and hope that the metal isn't so thin that you just gobble it up trying to fill. Then you have to prep the metal with a degreaser solvent and then with an etching solvent. Then you need to coat the inside with something like "POR" By now you have quite a bit of time and money into your tank. Some people have reported tank sealer failures because of adhesion loss and flaking. There is an area behind the baffle that is almost impossible to get to.

It's up to you. There is always some satisfaction in saving a part. But there is a lot of frustration in spending time and money on something and having it fail during or after the time and money investment. Look around for a good deal before you invest a lot into fixing this tank.

[Rainman]

Thanks for the input, I did call Steve @ Owens, they are up to $100, but he still has a
few. I'm going to replace the tank as it sits, but hope to clean up the original tank if
it's at all salvageable. Sounds like the replacement will not require a POR15 liner to
be installed. Hope to throw in a few more thing to take advantage of shipping rates.
I will add the pictures of my findings when I get them uploaded. I'll be posting my
want list on the appropriate board soon.

Rainman

[k8icu]

Ray,

Take it to a radiator shop that specializes in gas tank restoration. They can boil that tank out and let you know if it is worth fixing at that point. Once the tank has been boiled out if you have any large holes they can be welded up and little pin holes can be filled with the lining "paint" the shop will put in.

[Mr. Recovery]

Hi Rainman, This may seem a bit extreme but to me the only way to know a tank is clean and all holes are repaired.

Dan.

[k8icu]

I don't think that tank is going to work.....

[Rainman]

With Spike and K8icu both being experienced restorers, I appreciate both your
opinions, and Homer's as well .A choice of a replacement tank and repair of the
original ,it all comes down to what makes the vehicle better.

Called local shops today for boil out information. 1st shop the girl said, "if you
can get another one for under $200, you should consider it". 2nd shop, the owner
said he could do the boil out for $85-$100, and uses "a red rubber-like sealant if
needed, for an extra $30" He does a wash out with acid, so pitted areas may get
thin and need patching, also extra $. .

Removed the original this afternoon, and it's solid with no surface rust at all, so
no pitting from the outside. There's literally pounds of rusty crud inside, that
when removed from the tank sets up like concrete. The tank I have pending in
Calif is described as "like new", so I feel it's the best one for the project in the
long run. Thanks for the input and the suggestions guys.


Rainman

[rickf]

Get the new one, dump a couple of gallons of acetone in the old one and once in a while shake it up. Put the new one in and when the old one has loosened up dump it all out and see what you have. If it is good you can always sell it or if you are a packrat like me you can save it for when you buy another mutt. You will, believe me.
Rick

[halftracknut]

Rainman,Guess who has a really nice used one? HTN...PM Me, I Am not home till wed. HTN

[toptiger]

i replaced my early A2 tank with one from Gary- it was pristine. I have the old one if someone wants it. free for pick up. central florida

[Bill, Idaho]

Idaho Motor Pool has a pallet full of gas tanks. Call him at 208-452-5335. You want to talk to Alex. He will be quite reasonable with price. I must say that I don't remember if he has A1 or A2 tanks. Worth a phone call anyway. (He has a bunch of MUTT stuff)

[Rainman]

Well, the more time that goes by, the more tanks I seem to locate. There's sure no shortage of them it
would seem. And yes rickf, that's my picture in the dictionary next to the description of "Packrat" I
never throw anything away that may possibly be of future use. Also discovered in this process that the
old fuel pump was removed, and the 24v one I have is not the one for the M151, so that's on my list now
too. HTN, I emailed your friend and he does have everything I need. Also had the chance to add some
pictures to the original post, as I said, there are pounds of crud in the original tank, may be beyond repair
without cutting it in half like Mr R. Thanks for the recommendation Bill, but HTN's guy is here in Ohio.

Rainman

[Mr. Recovery]

Yep! that's about what the one I cut open was like Dan.