Rusty gas cans

uplander · January 23, 2015, 08:16:15 AM

With the price of fuel lately I have been rotating the fuel I store. I like to keep some around just in case.
I use steel surplus military fuel cans and I really like them. You cant find them like that anymore.

I have three that have a bit of rust in them and would like to clean them out and get them into use.

How should I clean the rust out of the inside of them? Low cost is good.

Magicman · January 23, 2015, 08:35:26 AM

I have heard of folks putting a scoop of rocks in the can and then tying it behind their 4 wheeler. Taking it for a spin will dislodge the rust on the inside and remove some of the paint from the outside. ;D

Raider Bill · January 23, 2015, 10:04:00 AM

Use sheet rock screws instead of rocks, bolts or nuts. Nice sharp little edges get in the nooks and crannies.

Old Guy told me about this method years ago to clean rust out of Harley gas tanks. Works like a charm.

beenthere · January 23, 2015, 10:11:29 AM

QuoteI like to keep some around just in case.

Just in case of what?
Just seems for whatever might be, storing fuel doesn't add up to going through the trouble. But maybe I'm missing something here.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · January 23, 2015, 10:25:37 AM

Gas breaks down a lot quicker these days than it did back in the day.
We all have a gas can with a little gas in it.....thats just part of life.

But you referred to "rotating".......sounds like you may be keeping a good bit on hand.

Reddog · January 23, 2015, 11:09:09 AM

White vinegar and screws, agitate and rinse.

Raider Bill · January 23, 2015, 11:22:26 AM

Yep white vinegar, forgot that part.

coxy · January 23, 2015, 04:40:08 PM

they make some kind of stuff that we use to put in old dirt bike and snowmobile gas tanks that would line the in side like new but cant remember the name of it looks like the stuff you repair holes in gas tanks

WV Sawmiller · January 23, 2015, 06:34:03 PM

I had an outboard motor mechanic in Albany GA when I was stationed there in USMC who said he had problems getting rid of rusty gas cans/fuel tanks because of environmental regs. He said he'd "forget" to bring them in at night and people would steal them. Problem solved.

As a collateral benefit he would also have customers who bought the tanks at local flea markets and such bringing in their outboard motors to him to have the carbs repaired or replaced.

boscojmb · January 23, 2015, 07:57:33 PM

I like to use a piece of chain instead of rocks or screws to clean fuel tanks. It works well and it's easier to get out of the tank / can when you are done.

Corley5 · January 23, 2015, 08:09:40 PM

Grandpa used furnace chain to clean tanks. Can you still buy furnace chain ???

whitepine2 · January 23, 2015, 09:22:42 PM

You can buy sloshing compound at any airport that works on planes.
This stuff will put a smooth finish on inside as well as plug any fine
pinholes kinda pricy but can be reused and refreshed. I use it on restoring old one cylinder engines. It's used in airplane tanks and
must be the best for rust and ware.

sawguy21 · January 23, 2015, 10:22:51 PM

Quote from: WV Sawmiller on January 23, 2015, 06:34:03 PM
I had an outboard motor mechanic in Albany GA when I was stationed there in USMC who said he had problems getting rid of rusty gas cans/fuel tanks because of environmental regs. He said he'd "forget" to bring them in at night and people would steal them. Problem solved.

As a collateral benefit he would also have customers who bought the tanks at local flea markets and such bringing in their outboard motors to him to have the carbs repaired or replaced.

Now that is funny. :D There was a reason metal cans were phased out. Now if we could get rid of those newfangled ones with the vent in the spout. GRRR >:(

mrcaptainbob · January 23, 2015, 10:49:01 PM

Count whatever you put in to clean the rust. Make sure the same number comes back out! I'm a big fan of RedKote. After the tank is cleaned and dry you pour in the RedKote. Rotate the tank or can around to coat all the sides. Pour off the excess back into the can. Let dry at least 24 hours. Good to go. Did this on a number of fuel tanks, one on a very old International. Had to JB some of the holes over window screen. This was at least eight years ago. The glass sediment bowl is still clear. Used to be filled with rust in ten minutes of running. I believe it can be purchased at Auto Zone. Comes in quarts and gallons.

Chuck White · January 24, 2015, 03:22:29 PM

Quote from: WV Sawmiller on January 23, 2015, 06:34:03 PM
I had an outboard motor mechanic in Albany GA when I was stationed there in USMC who said he had problems getting rid of rusty gas cans/fuel tanks because of environmental regs. He said he'd "forget" to bring them in at night and people would steal them. Problem solved.

As a collateral benefit he would also have customers who bought the tanks at local flea markets and such bringing in their outboard motors to him to have the carbs repaired or replaced.

I like that idea, in fact I've used it!

I've had items that I wanted to get rid of and I would place them out near the road with a "FREE" sign on them and the items would seem to be there forever, then a neighbor said put a price tag of $50.00 - $100.00 on the item and low and behold, the next morning the stuff would be gone! ;D

coxy · January 24, 2015, 06:03:02 PM

Quote from: Chuck White on January 24, 2015, 03:22:29 PM
Quote from: WV Sawmiller on January 23, 2015, 06:34:03 PM
I had an outboard motor mechanic in Albany GA when I was stationed there in USMC who said he had problems getting rid of rusty gas cans/fuel tanks because of environmental regs. He said he'd "forget" to bring them in at night and people would steal them. Problem solved.

As a collateral benefit he would also have customers who bought the tanks at local flea markets and such bringing in their outboard motors to him to have the carbs repaired or replaced.

I like that idea, in fact I've used it!

I've had items that I wanted to get rid of and I would place them out near the road with a "FREE" sign on them and the items would seem to be there forever, then a neighbor said put a price tag of $50.00 - $100.00 on the item and low and behold, the next morning the stuff would be gone! ;D

did they leave you any money :D :D

uplander · January 26, 2015, 10:59:34 AM

I used some strong Hydrochloric Acid that I diluted down quite a bit. It would still bubble away vigorously however on a chunk of limestone. It worked great and now those cans are as clean as a whistle inside.

Thank you everyone for you suggestions.

Chuck White · January 26, 2015, 12:26:31 PM

coxy; Nope, no money!

Years ago, we cleaned the rust and crud from the inside of the old John Deere hay baler's gas tank by dumping out whatever was in there, then put in a few good handfulls of gravel and shook it vigorously!

Wasn't 100%, but everything that was loose, dislodged.

Then rinsed thoroughly.

coxy · January 26, 2015, 08:29:39 PM

HAPPY B DAY 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

reubenT · January 28, 2015, 11:31:48 PM

Quote from: WV Sawmiller on January 23, 2015, 06:34:03 PM
He said he'd "forget" to bring them in at night and people would steal them. Problem solved.

An additional trick to add to that method would be to fill the can with water and put a cup or 2 of gas on top just so it smells good. Then leave it set out.
I did that accidentally; had some problems with radiator hose on a truck and used a gas can to get water up from a river, took a full jug along to add later if needed. Then when I got home I forgot to dump it right away. After all I knew what was in there. My cousin didn't, and he tried to give some one else my gas.

!

WV Sawmiller · January 28, 2015, 11:46:31 PM

I had a young fellow help me who was a city cop at the time. Had someone stealing gas. Neighbor put a bunch of sawdust in one can and told all of us not to use it. It was stolen with a couple others. He later caught the guy and recovered my gas cans but left the dusty can for the thief.

Peter Drouin · January 29, 2015, 06:55:46 PM

Rusty gas cans get thrown out.

shinnlinger · January 29, 2015, 07:11:05 PM

I have used a product called Kreme to relinr a mc tank. It was three parts. A rust dissolver that was very good. Methyl ethyl keytone to neutralize dissolver/ etch tank and a white final coat. You sealed the tank all up and then laid it on its side for a while, then the other, etc. It is still going strong 12 years later.

Raider Bill · January 30, 2015, 08:57:54 AM

Quote from: shinnlinger on January 29, 2015, 07:11:05 PM
I have used a product called Kreme to relinr a mc tank. It was three parts. A rust dissolver that was very good. Methyl ethyl keytone to neutralize dissolver/ etch tank and a white final coat. You sealed the tank all up and then laid it on its side for a while, then the other, etc. It is still going strong 12 years later.

I've not had much luck using Kreame in MC tanks. Even tried it on brand new ones but it came off in sheets after a few years. That's actually how I learned about using sheet rock screws to clean the insides.