Step-by-step instructions on how to clean the inside of a gas tank from rust

For a vehicle to function properly, it must be fueled with high-quality fuel. But even the most highly purified gasoline will not save you from rust in the gas tank if it has already appeared.

To prevent its smallest particles from leaking through the filter and damaging the engine, you need to regularly clean the fuel storage from corrosion.

Read the article on how to clean the inside of a gas tank from rust.

Preparing for cleaning

To prevent rust from accumulating in the gas tank, it must be cleaned regularly. Professionals advise doing this at least 3 times a year.

Before you begin the basic corrosion removal procedure, Several preparatory steps need to be taken:

1. Empty the tank. It should not contain gasoline. It must either be developed or drained.
2. Remove the tank, open the cap and turn it over to remove any remaining gasoline from the lines and from the bottom.
3. Place the container in such a way that it is convenient to pour the cleaning composition into it.

Even preparatory activities should take place in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline tends to evaporate, and its vapors are toxic to humans.

Methods of cleansing

You can deal with rust in a gas tank using available tools. Acids and solvents are used to combat corrosion., but when using them you must strictly follow the instructions.

Hydrochloric or phosphoric acid

Both phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid do an excellent job of removing oxides formed on the metal surface.However, they must be handled with extreme caution, as they can cause severe chemical burns if they come into contact with the skin.

Procedure:

1. Fill the tank with hot water. You need to fill it halfway.
2. Pour 2 liters of acid into it.
3. Fill the tank to the brim with water.
4. Close it with a lid, preferably an iron one.
5. Leave for 2 hours. Periodically you need to approach the container and shake it slightly.
6. After the specified time, the acid is drained.
7. A solution based on soda and water is poured into the tank to neutralize any remaining acid.

The concentration of acid used to clean the tank should not exceed 10-14%. You can learn more about the method of getting rid of rust using phosphoric acid Here.

How to rinse with acetone?

You can deal with metal oxides using acetone. This universal solvent is effective not only on paint and varnish coatings, but also perfectly removes rust.

Procedure:

• pour 2 liters of technical acetone into an empty tank;
• close the container with a lid and shake several times;
• After 5 minutes, the product is drained.

Detergents

If the rust layer is small, then you can deal with it using household chemicals, which are found in every home.

You can get rid of corrosion using such means as:

• shampoo;
• dishwashing liquid;
• liquid soap;
• washing powder.

The selected composition must be diluted with enough water to fill the tank to the top.They don’t skimp on the product; the more concentrated the solution, the better.

Tank treatment instructions anti-rust detergents:

1. The finished solution is poured into the fuel storage, filling it to the brim.
2. Close the container with a lid and shake vigorously several times.
3. Leave the tank alone for 3-5 hours.
4. Drain the solution and rinse it with warm water several times.

How to get rid of it with vinegar?

You can remove rust from the inner walls of the tank using acetic acid. For the product to work, it is better to use an essence. A volume of 0.25 ml is enough for 20 liters of water.

If the rust does not cover the walls of the tank with a thick layer, then to remove it you can use citric acid or table vinegar, rather than essence.

Mode of application:

1. Pour water with vinegar dissolved in it into the tank.
2. Leave for 12 hours.
3. Shake the tank vigorously several times. If there is too much water in it, then it needs to be drained.
4. Pour out the acid and rinse the tank with soda solution.
5. After the vinegar has been neutralized, the container is rinsed with clean running water.

He will tell you about the use of vinegar in the fight against rust. this article.

Water pressure

If you have a Karcher mini-car wash in your garage, then you can get by only with its help, without using any additional means.

Procedure:

• connect the device to the network;
• insert the water supply tube into the tank;
• spray liquid under high pressure;
• drain the water;
• repeat the procedure.

After cleaning, the tank is dried and replaced.

Soda

You can clean the walls of the gas tank from rust using sparkling water.Coca-Cola is a source of phosphoric acid, which is a universal rust solvent.

Procedure:

1. Heat Cola to 40 degrees. It is better to do this in an aluminum pan. The enamel container may become stained.
2. Pour the heated soda into the tank. It needs to be filled to the very brim.
3. Leave the product inside for 4 hours or more.
4. Drain the Cola and rinse the tank with clean water.

Instead of Cola, you can use Fanta, Sprite or Pepsi (read more here). This does not affect the effectiveness of the procedure. The only disadvantage of the method is its high cost. If the tank is designed for 50 liters, then you will need to buy a lot of soda.

Special converters

You can get rid of rust using special converters, which are sold in auto parts stores.

These compounds are used as follows:

1. The selected product is poured into a clean, dry tank. To remove corrosion, a 0.5 liter bottle is sufficient.
2. Close the tank with a lid and rotate it so that the liquid is evenly distributed from the inside.
3. Leave the product for the amount of time indicated in the instructions. It can range from 10 minutes to several hours.
4. Drain the converter and rinse the container with clean water.

Popular means are:

• rust destroyer Vershina B-52, price - 115 rubles per 0.55 l;
• liquid rust remover AKEMI, price - 1860 rub. for 1 l;
• Astrohim with zinc ions, price – 167 rubles per 1 liter.

Which methods are not suitable?

To remove corrosion It is not recommended to use mechanical cleaning method.

The use of abrasives or hard metal objects may simply cause a hole to appear in the tank. For the same reason, high concentration acids should not be used to remove metal oxide.

Do not throw nuts, washers or bolts into the container.. When shaking, the intact metal will be knocked off along with the rust, causing the tank to quickly become unusable.

Helpful information

It is necessary to clean the gas tank of rust only if you strictly adhere to safety rules. Respiratory organs are protected with a respirator, and gloves should be worn on hands.

After finishing cleaning, you need to rinse the tank with water.. If acids were used, they are neutralized with soda solution.

A lot of useful information about ways to combat rust on a car - in this section.

Video on the topic of the article

How to remove rust from a gas tank, video instructions:

Conclusion

Cleaning a gas tank from corrosion is not difficult if you choose the right product. You should not keep the composition inside longer than recommended in the step-by-step instructions. The main condition that must be observed is regular cleaning, thanks to which it will be possible to abandon the use of caustic detergents.