Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**davischevy** · 11-17-2017, 01:10 PM

I'm trying something I have heard about, but never tried. WE put some 1 inch rocks and three cans of rust converter in this tank and let it rip. We will let it spin a couple of hours. Of course two hours backhoe time will pay for a new tank but this one was just sitting there today.

I will let you know how it works.

**72 tigger** · 11-17-2017, 01:27 PM

Sounds like a plan- should work

**Boog** · 11-17-2017, 01:49 PM

“ if you’ve ever strapped an old gas tank to your backhoe wheel to give it a spin cycle you might be a redneck.”

Now we know.

**LockDoc** · 11-17-2017, 02:30 PM

-
I would check it after 30 minutes. I think two hours would be too long.

LockDoc

**Ol Blue K20** · 11-17-2017, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

“ if you’ve ever strapped an old gas tank to your backhoe wheel to give it a spin cycle you might be a redneck.”

Now we know.

here's your sign......

**Boog** · 11-17-2017, 03:07 PM

It is genius though.

**Ol Blue K20** · 11-17-2017, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

It is genius though.

X2, I'll give ya that.

scampr · 11-17-2017, 06:20 PM

I was thinking something similar, was going to put some sand in mine and strap it on the front of our screener when we are screening loam. It vibrates and i was thinking it would be like a gentle sandblasting???

**davischevy** · 11-17-2017, 08:59 PM

Yes, red neck spoke here.

After two hours, we had sludge. We rinsed it out with water and left it to dry over the weekend.

Rotten part is we have a beautiful non EEC tank, but this is an EEC truck.

100%Chevy · 11-17-2017, 09:03 PM

I also have a back-hoe.And,that's a good idea!
I was cleaning an old 20 gallon boat tank a while back and got about 200,3/8" steel nuts out of it!
It was pretty clean inside after I got it emptied out!
Mike.

**Ol Blue K20** · 11-17-2017, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davischevy

Yes, red neck spoke here.

After two hours, we had sludge. We rinsed it out with water and left it to dry over the weekend.

Rotten part is we have a beautiful non EEC tank, but this is an EEC truck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100%Chevy

I also have a back-hoe.And,that's a good idea!
I was cleaning an old 20 gallon boat tank a while back and got about 200,3/8" steel nuts out of it!
It was pretty clean inside after I got it emptied out!
Mike.

Hmmmm.....redneck maybe, but if it works.....what the he!!, I learned something. ...

wilkin250r · 11-18-2017, 12:35 AM

I've done something similar to many motorcycle gas tanks. I use brass chain because the brass won't spark, and the tanks are usually small enough to shake by hand.

I usually use just normal water, it makes rinsing really easy, and then a final rinse/shake with rubbing alcohol (the alcohol will pull the water).

**davischevy** · 11-18-2017, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilkin250r

I've done something similar to many motorcycle gas tanks. I use brass chain because the brass won't spark, and the tanks are usually small enough to shake by hand.

I usually use just normal water, it makes rinsing really easy, and then a final rinse/shake with rubbing alcohol (the alcohol will pull the water).

Thanks for the tip. I can strap MC tanks to the front wheel.

**special-K** · 11-18-2017, 07:54 AM

I never knew Caterpillar made a gas tank washing machine.

Grandpas 72 · 11-18-2017, 10:57 AM

I have been told to use a bicycle chain. I like the brass chain idea better. ��

Greg58 · 11-18-2017, 07:15 PM

Arky-Engineering!
I like it!

Greg

**davischevy** · 11-18-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I never knew Caterpillar made a gas tank washing machine.

The machines are special order. This one was mistakenly used to dig ditches and load trucks for over 12 years. It is at the shop to get the front axle and rear swing pins rebuilt so I had time to make use of the tank cleaning capabilities it was meant for.

**special-K** · 11-18-2017, 07:52 PM

Are they available in white t match my drier or only Caterpillar yeller?

**davischevy** · 11-18-2017, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Are they available in white t match my drier or only Caterpillar yeller?

Sometimes you can find them in white at government surplus sales.

Caterpillar loves their yeller. The paint is what makes them so expensive.

**special-K** · 11-18-2017, 08:58 PM

Looks like ochre to me

franken · 11-18-2017, 09:09 PM

That's great!
I made a frame from 2x4s, a stand and sat around drinking beer while spinning the tank with some chain inside. By the time I fell off the chair I would have figured it was clean--had I been able.

**davischevy** · 11-18-2017, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Looks like ochre to me

Thanks for the tip. I need to do some touch up and I have some Cat paint. I'll check it out.

**davischevy** · 11-18-2017, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

That's great!
I made a frame from 2x4s, a stand and sat around drinking beer while spinning the tank with some chain inside. By the time I fell off the chair I would have figured it was clean--had I been able.

WE had the same thing happen to the operator of this backhoe. He hit the ground hard when he took that last step.

100%Chevy · 11-18-2017, 11:31 PM

Well,I painted mine Caterpillar yellow!
And,I need to put new pins and bushings in the digger bucket too!
I've busted my butt on the bottom step a few times.It moves when you step up on it.

Mike.

mike16 · 11-19-2017, 09:51 PM

you may have bought some time but your in the market for a new tank too.

11-17-2017, 01:10 PM	#1
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,786	Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I'm trying something I have heard about, but never tried. WE put some 1 inch rocks and three cans of rust converter in this tank and let it rip. We will let it spin a couple of hours. Of course two hours backhoe time will pay for a new tank but this one was just sitting there today. I will let you know how it works. Attached Images __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

11-17-2017, 01:27 PM	#2
72 tigger Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Berne IN Posts: 3,206	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Sounds like a plan- should work

11-17-2017, 01:49 PM	#3
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank “ if you’ve ever strapped an old gas tank to your backhoe wheel to give it a spin cycle you might be a redneck.” Now we know. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-17-2017, 02:30 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,329	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank - I would check it after 30 minutes. I think two hours would be too long. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-17-2017, 03:07 PM	#6
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank It is genius though. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-17-2017, 06:20 PM	#8
scampr Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: peterborough NH Posts: 84	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I was thinking something similar, was going to put some sand in mine and strap it on the front of our screener when we are screening loam. It vibrates and i was thinking it would be like a gentle sandblasting???

11-17-2017, 08:59 PM	#9
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,786	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Yes, red neck spoke here. After two hours, we had sludge. We rinsed it out with water and left it to dry over the weekend. Rotten part is we have a beautiful non EEC tank, but this is an EEC truck. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

11-17-2017, 09:03 PM	#10
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I also have a back-hoe.And,that's a good idea! I was cleaning an old 20 gallon boat tank a while back and got about 200,3/8" steel nuts out of it! It was pretty clean inside after I got it emptied out! Mike.

11-18-2017, 12:35 AM	#12
wilkin250r Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada Posts: 755	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I've done something similar to many motorcycle gas tanks. I use brass chain because the brass won't spark, and the tanks are usually small enough to shake by hand. I usually use just normal water, it makes rinsing really easy, and then a final rinse/shake with rubbing alcohol (the alcohol will pull the water). __________________ I know a little about cars, but if you have a question about electricity or sport quads, I'm your man!!!

11-18-2017, 07:54 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I never knew Caterpillar made a gas tank washing machine. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-18-2017, 10:57 AM	#15
Grandpas 72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 21	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank I have been told to use a bicycle chain. I like the brass chain idea better. ��

11-18-2017, 07:15 PM	#16
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 997	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Arky-Engineering! I like it! Greg __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.

11-18-2017, 07:52 PM	#18
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Are they available in white t match my drier or only Caterpillar yeller? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-18-2017, 08:58 PM	#20
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Looks like ochre to me __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-18-2017, 09:09 PM	#21
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,052	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank That's great! I made a frame from 2x4s, a stand and sat around drinking beer while spinning the tank with some chain inside. By the time I fell off the chair I would have figured it was clean--had I been able.



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11-18-2017, 11:31 PM	#24
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank Well,I painted mine Caterpillar yellow! And,I need to put new pins and bushings in the digger bucket too! I've busted my butt on the bottom step a few times.It moves when you step up on it. Mike.

11-19-2017, 09:51 PM	#25
mike16 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bisbee, arizona Posts: 1,529	Re: Cleaning the rust out of my gas tank you may have bought some time but your in the market for a new tank too.

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