8 replies to this topic

[buznout]

Hi all,

 

Xmas looks like a good time to pull down my recently imported 98 Jap Spec Cooper. One of the jobs is to pull out the fuel tank and give it a clean as it has become a bit rusty in there, especially the filler neck. According to my paperwork from Japan, the car only did 400km in a three year period.

 

I have seen a number of way to remove the rust (Vinegar, various acids etc) but my question is, should I remove the level sender and pump while the tank is filled with cleaner? Am tempted to pull these and patch the holes but I have not found anything about this.

[ryomini]

Your mini sounds lovely

I would think if you pull the tank that removing the pump and fuel guage float would help you to see what condition it's in and would also avoid any damage.  The problem with cleaning tanks is that the clean surface, if not treated immediately just rusts up worse than before.  One of the best things you can do is keep the tank full, that avoids condesation on the tank sides.

I think water is the worst cleaning solution, unless the tank is dried really quickly and very very thoroughly, again, they just seem to rust worse than before.

[buznout]

Very happy with the car and the condition the owner in Tokyo took of it however it just must have sat empty for a while for the tank to corrode up as much as it has. Will pull the sender and pump as it will give me a good chance to clean them up too. I have read that phosphoric acid leaves a zinc coating on the unprepared but is a bit harsher than vinegar.

 

My Cooper as it passed through USS Tokyo...

 

[Steve220]

Why anyone leaves a fuel tank empty for long periods of time is beyond me. It's how moisture builds up and rusts tanks, also puts water into the fuel which can cause running issues.

[Alpenflitzer]

I suggest you take the tank off the car and then treat it with a good cleaning and protection package. This you can find either on ebay or in the automotive shops. You must after cleaning be sure that the tank inside is free of dirt and rust. To be on the safe side buy such a package it is not so expensive.

[Van13]

Look at frost they do a kit for this and give us a discount

[Mini 360]

Frost tank sealer kit.  Did it on mine and theres step by step instructions in my build thread.  Like making a synthetic tank within the metal tank.  its ace!

[buznout]

Thanks for the responses and tank is out as we speak, just need the time to strip it down now.

 

These kits have the clean, etch and coat processes. Is it necessary to re-coat the tank? I can see some light surface rust through the filler but it is the filler neck itself that looks the worst.

[Alpenflitzer]

Of course you must coat the inside of the tank. Otherwise your gas filter will not like it. The filler neck will also be treated if you follow the instructions.

Edited by Alpenflitzer, 03 January 2017 - 05:16 PM.