briggs and stratton fuel tank.

[vmaximus]

Evening all, I have purchased a MTD rotovator with a Briggs and Stratton 5hp motor. the said m/c has been stood for quite a few years and quite a bit of tlc will be req'd to get it running again, the frame ,wheels tines are all in decent condition. First the motor was removed, head taken off found both valves seized In the guides, these were taken out with quite a bit of grunt and swearing, carb taken off but the fuel tank although 1/2 full of petrol has some serious rust issues internally . Although the tank is in overall decent external condition what would be the best way to clean the tank internally. Thanks in advance for any info. Pud.

 

[cheb]

I'd use citric acid, just full it and leave it for a bit. You might want to shake it about with a length of chain inside it to loosen the worst of the rust.

Other methods are available.

 

[gaz1]

i have a 5.5 i think on my cultivator

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Wash it out with hot soapy water.

Fill it full of citric acid and leave, but if it has holes or grow holes it will leak.

Or Electrolysis rust removal will also work. But as above it will leak.

Both methods needs the fuel residue to be removed.



This is me re-rusting a header tank from a pump. You can try the same with your fuel tank. Drop a 13mm/1/2" bar into the filling hole and wait.

Tanks are cheep enough to buy, but you will get some enjoyment saving the old.

Holes can be easily repaired as well.
That's a whole new ball game.

 

[vmaximus]

Thanks but new tanks are not cheap and out of the question but this one looks sound enough, it's just the inside that's rough with some internal rust and bits that are just crumbling, I don't think it will make any difference to the running of the engine once cleaned. I don't want to spend too much money on the tiller after buying 2 valves and springs, diaphram and a Chinese special carb it would out price its worth. Pud

 

[roofman]

hand full of nuts and bolts 3rd filled with diesel and start shaking for 10 mins...wont be any rust stuck to the sides i guarantee it

 

[8ob]

I have loads of old BA nuts that I use for cleaning out tanks, a handful of those ,a drop of diesel and give it the maxwell house shake( children can look that one up)

Bob

Edit: beaten to it by @roofman

 

[roofman]

I have loads of old BA nuts that I use for cleaning out tanks, a handful of those ,a drop of diesel and give it the maxwell house shake( children can look that one up)

Bob

Edit: beaten to it by @roofman

even the Shake n vac..let them look that up too Bob

 

[brightspark]

a hand full of gravel and diesel good as well

 

[cheb]

If you use chain it comes out in one length, saves the interminable getting the last bits of gravel or last nut out.