Topic: Cleaning out tank for powder coating???

[messeduptriple]

Was told that the inside of the tank needs to be fully cleaned  so it doesn't blow up in the oven or something like that. Anyways what's the best product to use and how do I do it? Thanks
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[Kong]

Plug the petcock hole and fill the tank with water, then light a torch, a cheap propane torch will work, and stick it into the filler hole as you pour the water out.  So you keep the flame inside the tank as the water empties.  When the tank is empty of water it will also be empty of gas fumes that might ignite at some later point. 

[messeduptriple]

What?? Sounds dangerous

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[lone*X]

It's not dangerous if you do it just like Kong described.  For years we used the exact same method before welding on steel automotive gas tanks to repair rust holes.  After you follow this process be sure to get the inside of the tank COMPLETELY dry.  Use a heat gun if you have it, or steel the wifes blow dryer.  Don't want the tank to flash rust while your preparing the tank.

[72500john]

plugged my petcock holes and doused the inside with the works toilet cleaner for 1 hour. flushed with boiling water and baking soda. a little flash rust but not much. baked the tank for 20 minutes in the oven.(wife was at work) and sprayed the inside with lps1. ready for paint after a flush with reducer.

[messeduptriple]

plugged my petcock holes and doused the inside with the works toilet cleaner for 1 hour. flushed with boiling water and baking soda. a little flash rust but not much. baked the tank for 20 minutes in the oven.(wife was at work) and sprayed the inside with lps1. ready for paint after a flush with reducer.

hmmmm... This seems a bit nicer. Might try this. Thanks guys for the info

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[messeduptriple]

plugged my petcock holes and doused the inside with the works toilet cleaner for 1 hour. flushed with boiling water and baking soda. a little flash rust but not much. baked the tank for 20 minutes in the oven.(wife was at work) and sprayed the inside with lps1. ready for paint after a flush with reducer.

what is lps1? And what is reducer? Can I get this at the hardware store?


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[messeduptriple]

I was told dawn dish soap???
Not sure if that seems good compared to these other responses.

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[rhinoracer]

I just place the gas filler on my truck's exhaust, leave it idling for 3-5 min. Never had a problem.

[lucky]

No matter what you use to clean a gas tank it is still dangerous with a red hot area.
That is why they should not be welded or ground on.
I high school student was killed about a month ago doing that very thing.
HE was cutting the tank with a cut off wheel and although the tank had been cleaned it exploded and killed him.

But for powder coating they only heat to 350º so no worries.
But I would NOT powder coat it, and I will explain why.

I powder coated an almost perfect gas tank ,black.
But then you have to seal the inside of the tank .
When you put in the chemicals to clean it and coat the inside of the tank the smallest hole will allow the chemicals to come through the metal and cause the powder coat to become bubbled up from the chemicals. It happened to me.

I think the best way to deal with a tank is to treat the inside of the tank and seal it and then get it PAINTED.
You cannot powder coat the tank THEN seal it because the 350º powder coat oven will ruin the tank sealer inside the tank.

[messeduptriple]

How did you treat yours??

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