Possible alternative to relining an old petrol tank ?

swordheart · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 Oct 2009 Karma :

This is just an idea and someone on here might know if it would work but ....

I was looking to get my petrol tank acid dipped and stripped, which would mean that the tank would have to be lined, when I looked at companies that provide this service I noticed they can also galvanise metal that has been stripped ..... you know what's coming next don't you Smile

If the tank is galvanised would that mean the tank would be rust proof inside and out, or could there be some chemical reaction between the petrol and the galvanising ??

Phil

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

You don't need to treat the inner surface after an acid treatment. I tend to do the following.

1. Go through the acid treatment process at https://www.realclassic.co.uk/techfiles/petrol_tank_cleaning_and_rust_removal.html . I have also used phosphoric acid for the treatment, but spirits of salt is faster and cheaper. Bear in mind that any acid will chew through alloy, so an alloy fuel tap should be remove and a steel plate with a silicon gasket put in its place.

2. After rinsing out the tank and draining out the water as well as you can, pour in a bottle of meths and swill it around, then drain. Meths will bind with water, so anything left in the tank will be dilute meths and not water.

3. Pour in about a cupful of an engine oil/WD40 mix and swill it around, then drain off. This coats the inside well enough put the tank on the shelf for a few months.

4. Refit to the bike, fill with petrol, ride. As long as the tank has petrol in, it won't rust. Rusting happens when an empty (or nearly empty) tank is left sitting for a long time.

kramdra · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Karma :

Are good used tanks available? probably cheaper.

Had same issue with my 125, but ebay had brand new,sealed, perfect tanks for 35 quid delivered.

swordheart · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 Oct 2009 Karma :

Thanks for replies.

Don't fancy doing it myself to be honest, the tank is for an XL125 1977, i've not seen a new old stock one ever and i've been looking ages even if i do I can't see it being sold for £35 more like £235.

Phil