Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Internal Sealing
April 20, 2020
36
The next step in the fuel tank restoration is to prepare the internals for sealing. Taking a close look using a flashlight the surface looks solid and only a few rust spots are shown. These will be treated later on but for the time being the internal surface should be thoroughly cleaned from debris and varnish coming from fuel. Strangely enough fuel leaves a reddish tone which can be removed only with a strong solution like Marine Clean.
This liquid comes in concentrated form and it must be dilluted in water. Generally speaking 1:4 dillution works for most applications and should there be a large amount that is resisting then a second round of cleaning will surely remove any leftover dirt.
Place the tank on the bench to give you good working capability.
This is Marine Clean (TM). Be sure to follow the instructions as the result is dependent on them.
Dillute 1 lt of marine clean to 3 lt of hot water and pour it directly inside the tank.
Marine clean really loves hot water as it is designed to give the optimum. Be sure to wear hand gloves as Marine Clean (TM) is harmful to skin.
Here is the dirt removed from the inside after some hours of treatment.
The tank was moved around and positions were changed every 2 or 3 hours so that the entire surface is thoroughly cleaned.
Here is a second round of Marine Clean (TM) treatment. The liquid is cleaner than the first round but it still looks like dirt is present.
A third cleaning round resulted in an even better results. A fourth and final attempt will be made so that the liquid turns out clear and clean.
Here is Marine Clean (TM) in action.
Notice the boiling action of the liquid which removes dirt.
Pouring the liquid out of the tank, showed no dirt so it looks like we are ready to proceed in the next step.
Keep in mind that the tank should be absolutely clean inside and no Marine Clean traces are left, so fill it up with plenty of water, shake and flush it until no bubbles come out.
Keep in mind that the tank should be absolutely clean inside and no Marine Clean traces are left, so fill it up with plenty of water, shake and flush it until no bubbles come out.
Water on the container reveals some traces of Marine Clean (TM). Do not stop flushing until clear water comes off the tank (despite getting bored and tired)
The next step involves Metal Ready (TM). Just pour the entire bottle in the tank and let it cure for around 20 mins per side.
You need to change positions after 20 mins so that the liquid fully treats each side.
You need to change positions after 20 mins so that the liquid fully treats each side.
Note the boiling activity as rust is dissolved.
Metal Ready (TM) has turned from blue to clear and it will soon take a brown color meaning rust is dissolved.
That's a closer photo from Metal Ready (TM) in action.
Rust has been dissolved.
A closer photo shows a perfectly clean metal surface.
Metal surface is back to the original color.
Shiny metal surface.
Here is the final result after Metal Ready has dissolved rust and brought back shiny color to the metal surface.
Metal Ready (TM) shown after dissolving rust. The original blue color has turned to brown which means we are a step closer to applying sealer.
Be sure to rinse the tank with hot water several times as we dont want traces of Metal Ready (TM) to remain.
Be sure to rinse the tank with hot water several times as we dont want traces of Metal Ready (TM) to remain.
Let's now move on drying the internal of the tank.
No traces of water or moisture are allowed as Fuel Tank Sealer (TM) will not stick to the metal surface.