Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
| [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #322901] |
Tue, 29 August 2017 00:33  |
BobDunahugh
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Ken Shaffer is the owner of the GMC that had the contaminated/rusty gas tanks. Going to do it again with two tanks that I have that are in that same condition. Then wright up how we get it done again. Ken bent up a piece of 1/8"X 1"X 18" flat. Screwed one end to a piece of plywood to support the steel flat so it wouldn't come in contact with the tank. Then attached a 12V 30 Amp battery charger. With the neg to the tank, and posi to the steel flat. Did that for about 12 hours. Had to clean the rust build up on flat off every few hours. Let me know if you want photos privately. Bob Dunahugh
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #322985 is a reply to message #322979] |
Wed, 30 August 2017 10:21  |
johnd01
Messages: 354
Registered: July 2017
Location: Sacrameot
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A friend who likes old cars told me that shaking a tank with washed crushed
rock chips inside will remove scale/rust from inside the tank. I have not
tried it but he claims to have done it successfully.
On Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 12:01 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
> I am very interested in what you did. What kind of liquid was in the tank
> while you did this? Please forward pictures.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
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*John Phillips*
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Johnd01
John Phillips
Avion A2600 TZE064V101164
Rancho Cordova, CA (Sacramento)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #322989 is a reply to message #322979] |
Wed, 30 August 2017 11:35 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
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Ken Burton wrote on Wed, 30 August 2017 01:01I am very interested in what you did. What kind of liquid was in the tank while you did this? Please forward pictures.
Ken, I've used Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda using about 3 tbls per gallon of water. I just used a battery charger hooking one lead to the sacrificial metal and the other to the piece you need cleaned. It's important to hook the + terminal to your sacrificial metal and - to the tank. You need to keep an eye on things as it will evaporate the water pretty quickly.
I've used it to clean (remove rust) from seat tracks which are really tough to clean and had good results. Almost seems like 'magic' when you see it working.
Have fun, Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323007 is a reply to message #322979] |
Wed, 30 August 2017 17:04 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Ken,
Peter Bailey cleaned his tanks with molasses.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken Burton
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 5:02 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
I am very interested in what you did. What kind of liquid was in the tank while you did this? Please forward pictures.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323009 is a reply to message #323007] |
Wed, 30 August 2017 17:39 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
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I've cleaned countless motorcycle tanks.
Anything acidic will work.
Lemon juice, vinegar, etc.
Hydrochloric works best (muriatic acid).
It will make very quick work of rust in a steel tank. You then have to rinse, and neutralize with a base (baking soda works) and then get a light coating of oil or similar on the metal to prevent flash Rusting.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323075 is a reply to message #322901] |
Thu, 31 August 2017 22:47 |
BobDunahugh
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
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________________________________
From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2017 10:39 PM
To: Emery Stora
Subject: RE: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
I asked Ken to put this in order. As I wasn't there all the time. I posted the photos on the EFI list. If interested. E-mail me privately. Bob Dunahugh
________________________________
From: Ken Shaffer
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2017 1:15 PM
To: Bob Dunahugh
Subject: Fwd: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ken Shaffer
Date: Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
This was kind of an experiment for me but it worked out very well. I saw a video online about tank cleaning with electrolysis and thought it was interesting.....so i tried it. I first power washed the tanks with a Hotey to get the first layer off. they were pretty bad.
1) Dissolve washing soda (Walmart laundry detergent isle) 2oz / gallon of water in plastic 5g bucket.
2) With tanks on ground and fill hole slightly lifted, pour water into sending unit opening. Fill tank.
3) put metal anode into sending unit opening. I made anode from 1/8"x 1" x 24" steel strap bent into S patterns to zig zag into tank.
4) important to make sure anode does not rest on any part of the tank when hooked up to battery charger. I cut a chunk of 3/4" plywood approx 18"x18" to lay flat on top of tank. Then I screwed anode into plywood to hold it into place and hang in tank.
5) clamp positive clamp of 30amp battery charger to anode, clamp neg to outside of tank to ground it.
6) let run for 8 hours. It will generate some rusty/crusty gunk and it will collect onto anode
7) remove anode, clean it off with wire brush and repeat. (same water)
8) I did this process for approx 24 hours / tank
9) dump water and gunk out of tanks, rinse well with power washer. pour in a couple bottles of isopropyl heat (red bottle) to help remove remaining water. fan dry.
10) install tanks and put gas into tanks as soon as possible to deter bare metal tanks from rusting again.
again, this was an experiment for me that worked pretty well. I have included a few pics for you to see process.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Ken Shaffer
On Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 10:21 AM, John Phillips wrote:
A friend who likes old cars told me that shaking a tank with washed crushed
rock chips inside will remove scale/rust from inside the tank. I have not
tried it but he claims to have done it successfully.
On Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 12:01 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
> I am very interested in what you did. What kind of liquid was in the tank
> while you did this? Please forward pictures.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
*John Phillips*
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323086 is a reply to message #322985] |
Fri, 01 September 2017 03:18 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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johnd01 wrote on Wed, 30 August 2017 10:21A friend who likes old cars told me that shaking a tank with washed crushed
rock chips inside will remove scale/rust from inside the tank. I have not
tried it but he claims to have done it successfully.
I tried the "scrub it out" method using hardware (washers and 1/4-20 nuts). It did a fairly good job. Problem is getting the "stuff" (rocks or hardware) out after it's done it's job. I have one spare I'm still trying to get the hardware out of. I work on getting the hardware out when I feel I can tolerate the frustration for a while.
GMCMH tanks are different in that they are so wide, so shallow and have internal baffles.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323087 is a reply to message #322901] |
Fri, 01 September 2017 03:26 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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BobDunahugh wrote on Tue, 29 August 2017 00:33Ken Shaffer is the owner of the GMC that had the contaminated/rusty gas tanks. Going to do it again with two tanks that I have that are in that same condition. Then wright up how we get it done again. Ken bent up a piece of 1/8"X 1"X 18" flat. Screwed one end to a piece of plywood to support the steel flat so it wouldn't come in contact with the tank. Then attached a 12V 30 Amp battery charger. With the neg to the tank, and posi to the steel flat. Did that for about 12 hours. Had to clean the rust build up on flat off every few hours. Let me know if you want photos privately. Bob Dunahugh
I will be interested in how this works out. The theory, and my experience, with electrolytic rust removal is that it is pretty much a "line of sight" process. The electrode can only clean what it can "see". I am curious as to how the tank section "behind" the baffles get derusted. Is it truly a "line of sight process" or just one where the electrode can clean what it can "illuminate" in the interior.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323093 is a reply to message #323086] |
Fri, 01 September 2017 07:05 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Steve,
Being that I am a lazy bastard I just brought the tanks out of The Blue Streak to Redi-Strip here in Sydney and for $400.00 I got
them back with absolutely no rust in them!
I have a flexible borescope I used to check ever nook and cranny and found NADA!
Unfortunately one of the tanks has more holes in it than Swiss cheese so I am not sure how to proceed.
I am preparing to head for the USA over the weekend (I fly out Monday AM) and don't have time to go down to my workshop and take
photos.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Southworth
Sent: Friday, September 1, 2017 6:18 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
I tried the "scrub it out" method using hardware (washers and 1/4-20 nuts). It did a fairly good job. Problem is getting the
"stuff" (rocks or hardware) out after it's done it's job. I have one spare I'm still trying to get the hardware out of. I work on
getting the hardware out when I feel I can tolerate the frustration for a while.
GMCMH tanks are different in that they are so wide, so shallow and have internal baffles.
--
Steve Southworth
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323100 is a reply to message #323093] |
Fri, 01 September 2017 09:18 |
GMC.LES
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
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I've tried several rust removal recipes over the years which include molasses, battery charger and washing soda, muriatic acid, vinegar, etc.
The one I like the best is the vinegar as it is the cheapest, least amount of mess, and the acid isn't strong enough to be a risk. All the processes I've tried take soaking time with the exception of the muriatic, which only takes minutes in comparison, but is very harsh on the metal and everything in the vicinity.
I use pickling vinegar and re-use the solution a couple of times before heavily diluting it and pouring down the drain.
Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'
> On Sep 1, 2017, at 8:05 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:
>
> Steve,
>
> Being that I am a lazy bastard I just brought the tanks out of The Blue Streak to Redi-Strip here in Sydney and for $400.00 I got
> them back with absolutely no rust in them!
>
> I have a flexible borescope I used to check ever nook and cranny and found NADA!
>
> Unfortunately one of the tanks has more holes in it than Swiss cheese so I am not sure how to proceed.
>
> I am preparing to head for the USA over the weekend (I fly out Monday AM) and don't have time to go down to my workshop and take
> photos.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Southworth
> Sent: Friday, September 1, 2017 6:18 PM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
>
> I tried the "scrub it out" method using hardware (washers and 1/4-20 nuts). It did a fairly good job. Problem is getting the
> "stuff" (rocks or hardware) out after it's done it's job. I have one spare I'm still trying to get the hardware out of. I work on
> getting the hardware out when I feel I can tolerate the frustration for a while.
>
> GMCMH tanks are different in that they are so wide, so shallow and have internal baffles.
> --
> Steve Southworth
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323132 is a reply to message #323093] |
Fri, 01 September 2017 19:14 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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USAussie wrote on Fri, 01 September 2017 07:05Steve,
Being that I am a lazy bastard I just brought the tanks out of The Blue Streak to Redi-Strip here in Sydney and for $400.00 I got
them back with absolutely no rust in them!
I have a flexible borescope I used to check ever nook and cranny and found NADA!
Unfortunately one of the tanks has more holes in it than Swiss cheese so I am not sure how to proceed.
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
-----Original Message-----
From Steve Southworth
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
I tried the "scrub it out" method using hardware (washers and 1/4-20 nuts). It did a fairly good job. Problem is getting the
"stuff" (rocks or hardware) out after it's done it's job. I have one spare I'm still trying to get the hardware out of. I work on
getting the hardware out when I feel I can tolerate the frustration for a while.
Rob - agree on chemical strip. After my resounding success using hardware I took the rest of the tanks to a local rust stripping outfit. They came out exactly like yours. Ten years ago it only cost me $100 each.
As to the Swiss cheese I would take it to a radiator repair shop and see if they can close up the holes. Then POR the insides and chassis saver on the outside. If they are just pin holes the two coatings may be enough.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323152 is a reply to message #322901] |
Sat, 02 September 2017 06:54 |
Bierman
Messages: 46
Registered: May 2017
Location: SW Florida
Karma: 0
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The method he is is using with the positive/ negative terminals is called electrolysis, it is used extensively to remove rust on vintage cast iron skillets and other cast iron wares. I have done this 100 of times, works great on cast iron
Member, GMCI, Sunshine Statesman and Dixielanders
26' 1978 Eleganza II, new(rebuilt by Sirum) 403, Lenzi hubs and knuckles, front end by Ferrara
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323546 is a reply to message #323508] |
Fri, 08 September 2017 02:29 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Les,
The tank is FULL little rusted through holes, I'd say there are possibly 100 of them. The tank has already been repaired with brazed
spots and soldered spots. I have two spare tanks here in Houston and I'm checking into the cost to have them sea freighted to
Sydney.
BTW this is a self inflicted wound, I left the tanks with a small amount of petrol in them and voila le problem!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:03 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
Rob,
Don't bother brazing, use solder and flux as it needs less heat and is fairly quick once you've perfected your technique. That is
what most rad shops would do.
A faster alternative is a thick epoxy like JB weld. It can be applied with a plastic trowel to seal the holes. Once done with the
holes, Use tank sealer for the inside and a good rust paint for the exterior and the tanks will outlive the owner.
Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date. [message #323556 is a reply to message #323546] |
Fri, 08 September 2017 07:37 |
GMC.LES
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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I'd still give the epoxy a try before giving up on the tank. Brazing or soldering will be a long job that might test your patience and stamina.
If the holes are truly just pinholes, you could cover them with masking tape and then apply a tank sealer to the inside. Once the sealer has been thoroughly cured, the tape can be removed and the exterior painted. The sealer will bridge the pinholes easily with the tape in place. The tape stops the sealer from leaking out and supports it until cured.
Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'
> On Sep 8, 2017, at 3:29 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:
>
> Les,
>
> The tank is FULL little rusted through holes, I'd say there are possibly 100 of them. The tank has already been repaired with brazed
> spots and soldered spots. I have two spare tanks here in Houston and I'm checking into the cost to have them sea freighted to
> Sydney.
>
> BTW this is a self inflicted wound, I left the tanks with a small amount of petrol in them and voila le problem!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
> Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 10:03 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Gas tank cleaning up date.
>
> Rob,
> Don't bother brazing, use solder and flux as it needs less heat and is fairly quick once you've perfected your technique. That is
> what most rad shops would do.
>
> A faster alternative is a thick epoxy like JB weld. It can be applied with a plastic trowel to seal the holes. Once done with the
> holes, Use tank sealer for the inside and a good rust paint for the exterior and the tanks will outlive the owner.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> '75 Eleganza 26'
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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