Dan Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Hi All, In need of some product and method knowledge, Im in the process of restoring a Gerald 1200, I have removed the old fuel lines, currently servicing the carburettor, however the fuel tank is my concern at the moment, there was old fuel in the tank, not much but enough to promote rust. The pictures show the internal and the sediment I got out. My question is, what's the best products to use and the best method. Many thanks Dan Quote
JohnD Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Is the second pic the residue in a plastic tub? YUK! That amount of rust may have left pin holes. Fill with water and stand on newspaper overnight - any leaks? If there are, they can be patched or the holes sealed with some internal rubbery substance, but really the tank should be condemned! Before you empty it, add some washing up detergent, in fact LOTS, and try to boil it - a camp stove or similar. I know, a flame, on a petrol tank? But if filled with water, and kept filled, you're safe. Flush out, and repeat until the hot water appears clear. Another way would be steam cleaning, not what you might use to take off wall paper, but a proper jet of steam! Some industries, or transport firms may use that to clean plant and vehicles. Bikers will put some pebbles or a handful of nuts and bolts into the tank, wrap it in a blanket and pop the parcel in a concrete mixer! Same as polishing stones in a tumbler! But I fear the Herald tank is too big, unless you can think of a way to rotate it! Good luck. John 1 Quote
richard w Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Hi Dan I'd be wary about using a coating on the inside of the tank. If the prepared surface isn't perfect the coating can peel off and block the outlet - ask me how I know! The problem is that inspecting the inside of the tank prior to application is tricky to say the least and you never know if it's good enough. Obviously I don't know your budget but I'd be considering a new or at least good second hand tank instead. New won't be cheap but Stoneleigh is less than 2 weeks away and you might find a decent one there for less. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. 2 Quote
Dan Posted January 31 Author Posted January 31 Thanks for the advice, appreciate your time. Will let you know how I get one. Quote
GT64fun Posted January 31 Posted January 31 (edited) 56 minutes ago, JohnD said: I fear the Herald tank is too big, unless you can think of a way to rotate it! Strap it to a concrete mixer!? Edited January 31 by GT64fun Quote
Batch Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Hi Dan Like Richard I would be very wary of any coating for the inside of tanks, again this is a learned experience. I costed up getting the tank professionally cleaned and leak tested, it wasn't worth it. the cost was similar to buying a new one Dave 1 Quote
JohnD Posted January 31 Posted January 31 4 hours ago, GT64fun said: Strap it to a concrete mixer!? Like this? Mmmmmmmeh! Maybe! 1 Quote
Clive Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Never seen such a tiny mixer. A normal sized one (eg Belle) used by just about all builders would happily cope with a spitfire or herald tank strapped to it. The 2nd one is a nightmare! Quote
Amy Wade Posted February 1 Posted February 1 23 minutes ago, GT64fun said: The truck mixer might be a slight overkill! That's not overkill. However, this is overkill. 3 Quote
Amy Wade Posted February 1 Posted February 1 (edited) 18 minutes ago, JohnD said: That last surely is a Titan third stage in transit? It came up on a Google search for massive concrete mixer & it looked the part... Maybe I should have used this one. Edited February 1 by Amy Wade 1 Quote
JohnD Posted February 1 Posted February 1 Either would do, for dozens of Herald tanks! Smaller ones are available, on hire. Quote
Amy Wade Posted February 1 Posted February 1 55 minutes ago, JohnD said: Either would do, for dozens of Herald tanks! I was thinking whole Heralds. 2 Quote
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