Electrolysis to the rescue

[DadsWing'76]

I just wanted to toss out a note on the success I had using electrolysis to clean up a rusty fuel tank. I had come across this procedure doing a google search on rust removal, and eventually found a video online. I figured I had nothing to lose so I set it up, and gave it a whirl. I just plugged off the sending unit hole with a piece of plastic, used the bottom of a water bottle to hold the electrode and used the spa chemical Ph up (6tbsp for a 5 gallon tank roughly). Other than checking on it a couple times a day and topping it off with warm water again, to keep the electrode submerged, and changing the water in the tank daily, you just let it sit. I let mine go for three days, and the results were amazing. I just WISH I had taken some before pics. Here are the end result pics and also what came out of the tank over the three days.
The last pic is of my fuel sending unit. It was corroded pretty badly too, not working at all. Found online that some one had good success diluting vinegar and water 50/50 and letting the sending unit soak for a couple days. Well....this also worked great. My sending unit is working perfectly again. The only thing I suggest to do is once you take it out of the vinegar solution, let it soak in just plain water for another day. I gave mine a light spray with electrical contact cleaner just to get rid of any moisture. But it worked good as well. Just a couple tips for anyone who hasn't heard about this or is looking for more info.

 

[dan filipi]

That’s great. Thanks for the tip!

 

[mcgovern61]

Very cool! :thanks:

 

[TMF]

I just wanted to toss out a note on the success I had using electrolysis to clean up a rusty fuel tank. I had come across this procedure doing a google search on rust removal, and eventually found a video online. I figured I had nothing to lose so I set it up, and gave it a whirl. I just plugged off the sending unit hole with a piece of plastic, used the bottom of a water bottle to hold the electrode and used the spa chemical Ph up (6tbsp for a 5 gallon tank roughly). Other than checking on it a couple times a day and topping it off with warm water again, to keep the electrode submerged, and changing the water in the tank daily, you just let it sit. I let mine go for three days, and the results were amazing. I just WISH I had taken some before pics. Here are the end result pics and also what came out of the tank over the three days.
The last pic is of my fuel sending unit. It was corroded pretty badly too, not working at all. Found online that some one had good success diluting vinegar and water 50/50 and letting the sending unit soak for a couple days. Well....this also worked great. My sending unit is working perfectly again. The only thing I suggest to do is once you take it out of the vinegar solution, let it soak in just plain water for another day. I gave mine a light spray with electrical contact cleaner just to get rid of any moisture. But it worked good as well. Just a couple tips for anyone who hasn't heard about this or is looking for more info.
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I'm hoping you're still around to give advice about this. My '76 tank is soaking in vinegar right now. I plan to drain the vinegar and rust every few days, let the rust settle and pour the vinegar back in. I've had good luck with that but this tank is worse off than any of the others and I might have to go with the electrolysis technique. I'm not clear on the chemical you add to the water or for that matter any of the details. Can you provide more on your technique?

 

[Lowrider Bud]

In case the OP doesn't see your request, here's a link to a YouTube that explains the process. I've done this on a number of gas tanks, successfully. I used Baking Soda because I live about 50 miles from a pool supplier.



Good Luck,
Bud...

 

[TMF]

In case the OP doesn't see your request, here's a link to a YouTube that explains the process. I've done this on a number of gas tanks, successfully. I used Baking Soda because I live about 50 miles from a pool supplier. Good Luck,

Bud...

Thank you sir. I've got some washing soda incoming, extra motorcycle battery, etc. and will be going to work on this.

 

[dan filipi]

Watched the video and it occurred to me would it matter if using tap water or would distilled water be preferred? Curious because we have very hard water.

 

[Denver]

Muriatic acid works great, and its much faster.
Have used it more than once, with great results
Down side it has some VERY nasty fumes.
A full face respirator, works to keep the fumes away, from your lungs, & eyes

 

[Workinman]

Wally World usually has PH UP this time of year. It’s in their pool and spa section. I didn’t use PH UP when I did my tank, I used some kind of laundry detergent if I remember correctly.

 

[TMF]

I'm starting with a multi-day soak in vinegar. I'll drain, rinse with water then will immediately refill with electrolyte and let that work it's magic for awhile. I like both techniques because they're relatively nontoxic with the only risk being a hydrogen explosion.

 

[TMF]

What I can add is a technique for preventing flash rust. I just did a successful electolysis treatment to my '76. Immediately after draining the electrolyte I rinsed with tap water several times over a period of less than 5 minutes, working as fast as possible. With all loose rust and most of the water gone I added roughly 12 ounces of gas mixed with 2 stroke oil. Swirl that around and drain, repeat. Add a final dose of premix and relax knowing the interior of the tank is water free and has a light coat of carburetor and engine friendly oil.