Saved the 97's fuel tank

[Barry barker]

I was pretty concerned about the fuel tank on my 97 build but was to busy sorting through all the parts to check out the tank. It took some penetrating oil just to get the cap off, not a good sign. The rust had completely filled in the neck, side to side rust. This could be worse than i thought! After numerous nuts and bolts shakes, vacuuming, and 2 weeks of vinegar and salt solution the tank looks pretty darn good. Lucky for me I tried to blow air through the inlet tube, clogged. After numerous tries with a wire, air compressor, and even a vacuum pump. I just could not get the fuel inlet tube unclogged. Then i noticed some cable hanging on the work bench and the light bulb lit up! Power tools! Add a drill and you have one very effective snake device for cleaning the most stubborn clogged tubes. Wish i had thought of this first, would have saved me 2 hours.

 

[[email protected]]

That's a good tip. I wouldn't have thought of that.

 

[Fire-medic]

Have you tried doing it w/electricity? The electrolytic method is supposed to work very well, though I haven't tried it yet. The rust travels in suspension to the sacrificial anode from the tank walls, and is supposed to be easy and effective. There are threads about it here. Here's one: http://www.vmaxforum.net/showthread.php?t=27422&highlight=electrolysis

Another: http://www.vmaxforum.net/showthread.php?t=15629&highlight=electrolysis

One more: http://www.vmaxforum.net/showthread.php?t=9858&highlight=electrolysis

A good job on the cable. I'm not a musician, so I don't have strings around from a Telecaster or a Flying V. Some guys say to use those. I have used a drill before to wind long lengths of wire, works well. I also save scraps of cable like that, like what comes off my bicycles, to get in small spaces.

 

[Barry barker]

Always used the vinegar salt solution with good results. The electrical method might be faster.
I bought some chemicals in a garage sale a few years ago. You've seen the buy it all or nothing box. It had a couple of cans of No Rust. It's a commercial product for manufacturing plants to keep molds, metal tops and other machine surfaces rust free. Works pretty good and its just like oil. I coated the inside of my tank with it for rust prevention until I get the build done. Pretty happy with this stuff. Hope it doesn't eat rubber?:ummm: