Gas tank rust removal

[81xsproject]

There was a thread a while back about using CocaCola for removing the rust in a gas tank (or anything else for that matter). Somebody mention using just phosphoric acid.

This summer while doning some wrenching and came to some very rusty lug nuts that where sort of tough to turn. So, I went under my mother in laws sink and found some CLR. I had no prior experience with the stuff, but thought What the hell, the R is for Rust. I soaked the lug nuts in a bowl of straight CLR (which has phosphoric acid as its first or second ingredient) for about 3 hours. The nuts came out liiking like they where right off the shelf.

So, I thought I would mention it as a good gas tank rust remover that is easy to come by.

[HobbyMan]

Anything that has phosporic acid in it primarily. The only difference is the price of what you buy. I used Naval Jelly and a combination of other items. Just look for phosphoric acid as a key factor. This is another reason why I don't drink coke.

[jetmechmarty]

electrolysis

You could try it this way. It works.

http://650rider.com/Content/pid=6.html

[TomKat]

OK, that link is flat out cool. I am gonna try that.

[Douglas Money]

I restore antique cars and I use the electrolysis method all of the time. It works great. Especially on the hard to do parts and the delicate parts. Make sure you do it outside as it produces hydrogen gas. Good Luck.

[HobbyMan]

off topic but: MMM.. Al+NaOH=Hydrogen

[81xsproject]

I think it is the oxide on the aluminum.
Al2O3+NaOH

[xschop]

got gas?

It is the hydrogen bonds of the water molecule that are broken during electrolysis h20+e- = h+oh that give off free hydrogen.....OH and do yourself a favor by not smoking near your area.....was it the Hindenburg?

[HobbyMan]

Well I know I am no chemistry major.

[ccogswel]

I like to try this electrolysis.

I have couple questions. On the special models with the fuel sending unit, would it be safe to leave it bolted in place or should it be removed? It is really rusty! If not, anyone have any other ideas as what I can use?

[jetmechmarty]

I don't think washing soda will hurt the sending unit.

[Douglas Money]

Keep in mind, that the fuel gauge is electrically insulated from the tank. It might get destroyed when you run your electrolysis system.

[HobbyMan]

I don't know much about it, but to be safe, I would take it out and put in a plug. When I did it the old fasioned way, phosphoric acid, I took out the sending unit and made a plug out of copper. Then I took a sheet of rubber and placed it between the tank and the plate. This sealed the hole and protected the plate. I used the same holes and hardware from the sending unit to mount the plug. Besides, If sending unit is in fact insulated from the rest of the tank, the rust won't come off and you will still have to clean it.

[ccogswel]

Thank you all for the info. I'll make a plate.
Just have another question. Where in the world can you get this stuff? I checked wal-mart and houchens and the dollor store with no luck. I plan on calling ace, lowes, and tsc. Am I looking in the wrong stores? Again I want to say Thank you to jetmechmarty, Douglas Money and HobbyMan for the advice.

[jetmechmarty]

washing soda

You should find it in the laundry section of your local supermarket.