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Old 11-25-2018, 07:56 PM   #1
Paul Bjarnason
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Default Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

I have a fuel tank storage question. I'm working on my '29 Tudor, but it may take awhile before it's running - like maybe a year. Today, I blasted the tank out with my pressure washer and it doesn't look too bad inside. It is mostly bare metal and a few areas of rust but not serious. Question: what's the best method to assure my tank won't rust while it's waiting for the rest of the car to be ready to run? I have searched on the Forum and couldn't find anything, except about winter storage for running cars. Where I'm leaning right now is to fill the tank with diesel fuel. (I have a skid steer.) I don't want to put gasoline of any kind in the tank, as the octane will degrade and, anyway, the garage is under my house. Or, clean used motor oil, perhaps!
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Old 11-25-2018, 08:20 PM   #2
Mikeinnj
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

Paul, the first thing that comes to mind is making sure the entire inside of the tank is completely dry. There are some intricate baffles in the tank that are prone to trap water after washing it out as you did. I used a hair dryer on low heat for several hours, then plugged all the openings with saran wrap held on with rubber bands. That empty spare tank has been in storage for several years and last year I inspected it and it was still rust free.
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Old 11-25-2018, 09:24 PM   #3
eagle
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

Fogging spray can be bought at Napa and other auto parts stores. It will coat it with a sticky oil. Use a long spray can extension tube to get it where you want it. The other option is LPS Rust Inhibitor spray.
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Old 11-25-2018, 09:55 PM   #4
whirnot
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

I see no reason that the diesel would not work.
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Old 11-25-2018, 10:30 PM   #5
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

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I see no reason that the diesel would not work.
And add some biocide to prevent algae growth.
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Old 11-26-2018, 12:17 AM   #6
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

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And add some biocide to prevent algae growth.
That's what I'd do.
Otherwise you can fill it with oil that you will use for oil changes, but 40 quarts of oil will last a lifetime.
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Old 11-26-2018, 11:34 AM   #7
DHZIEMAN
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

Make sure the tank is dry inside "COMPLETELY" Use any cheap oil and assure enough to slosh the entire inside of the tank. And then seal it up and keep it in a warm dry place.
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Old 11-26-2018, 02:58 PM   #8
Dennis Pereira
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

Marine clean then metal prep to remove light rust flush with water let dry will last for years in a nice dry area . I have a tank out in the barn sitting for years and still looks like new at least what I can see .
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Old 11-26-2018, 07:02 PM   #9
Paul Bjarnason
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Default Re: Gas tank storage for "awhile" of a non-running A

I would do the Marine Clean, but the tank is on the car and I am not planning to remove it. It's in pretty good shape inside. I pressure washed it and got some rust out with my wet/dry vacuum, but no big flakes. I think I will go with the diesel, plus biocide. Thanks for the advice.
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