Topic: Thoughts on Long Term Tank Storage?

[BenelliSEI]

Putting up my K0. The tank only had gas in it for a few weeks. It’s a +40 year old, NOS Honda tank, that was in the original box, until recently, for a show. Drained it and then sloshed in a small amount of methyl hydrate and blew it dry with a hair drier........ thinking of adding a small amount of gas, mixed 50/50 with two stroke oil, and sloshing it around. Shop never freezes and no big temperature swings. Or leave it dry? Any suggestions?

[jakec]

spray WD-40 in aersol form (not bubbly liquid form) and then quickly close the lid. The aersol will have totally coated the inside before it settles. I've stored my tank for about 1 year this way and it looks pristine inside.

[jlh3rd]

i wouldn't leave it dry. Since i always have wd40, i'd coat the inside with that. your gas/oil mix would work i guess. fogging spray?......

[Tracksnblades1]

I think your 50/50 mix will work...especially if your 2cycle oil has the stabile additive in it.

I use the gray chainsaw oil bottle mixed 36:1 for over the winter storage in my small 4cycle engines, running them until it reaches their carburetor bowls.

Really long term storage...10w hydraulic oil. Fill to the top...
It takes longer to get it flushed out of the carbs... care must be taken when flushing tanks to avoid gas contacting paint. Some hydraulic oils (I.e. CaseIH HyTrans) have additives that absorbs h2o.

Engine oils, most high detergents blends have additives that inhibit rust from forming on internal parts.  Especially when it's not in service.

[UnclearFizzyCyst]

How long are you expecting to store her? Mine don't usually stay put for more than 6mths. I always use E0 gas with MMO and MARINE Sta-Bil and store them full to the brim.

[BenelliSEI]

This one may be a while...... I like the idea of fogging and I have a can I never used! May give it a try, thanks for all the suggestions.

[Keith]

I use “Bullfrog” brand additive made for fuel tanks. Available from the Rust Store.

[BenelliSEI]

I’ll check that out too. Thanks.

[Bodi]

I dry them completely then put some mothballs in. The mothball gas, whatever it is (napthalene?), displaces the air so there's no oxygen for rusting and doesn't bother the steel. Result: tank is clean, dry, and rust free... but smelly, when opened again. Mothballs can be in an old sock to make them easier to get out.

[BenelliSEI]

Bodi...... that’s one i’ve Never heard! I’ll try it!

[pjlogue]

I wonder how those small sacks of silica gel would work.  5 of those (as long as they were new) and seal the top and petcock hole with tape so it's airtight after the tank is clean and dry. 

-P.