2000 mk1 petrol tank

[SouthernMike]

Hello all, just recently, I've been experiencing misfire and stalling. I've discovered that the petrol had some dirt and other particles in and the very fine stuff is getting into the carbs, even with an in-line filter. Anyway, the tank is out of the vehicle and drained of rubbish. Internal inspection shows rust spots everywhere on the inner surface - not horrendous but I would like to improve it. The nuts and bolts with chain idea, will not work as there are 3 chambers within the tank, so realistically, it's a liquid cleaning exercise. I live on the south coast of the UK and trying to seek out a tank cleaning service just to see whats out there. What are peoples thoughts on cleaning and sealing our classic tanks?
Thanks.

[simon.williams]

My PI tank was full of rust, it literally poured out of the tank.

Not made of 3 sections but does have a kind of half-height metal cylinder around the pick up pipe which makes it tougher to get abrasion round the tank.

I did throw in some medium sized gravel with some petrol and gave it a shake (well more of a shuffle and multiple turns as its quite bulky). Sealing off all the holes is quite sporting - had to get creative.

Finally I used a “three stage” tank cleaner and sealer. Acid first, then wash out with alcohol, then apply a two pack resin type thing.

Seems to have worked, but not cheap, and I think I should have doubled the quantities (i.e. bought two kits..).

Its phosphoric acid for the clean/rust conversion.

SOC chaps recommended this site for sealers :

https://www.rust.co.uk/product/cat/fuel ... k-sealers/

[SouthernMike]

Thanks Simon for your quick response.. . Which 3 part kit did you buy and when? I've heard a few horror stories about the sealer not done properly and sealer breaking up and clogging the system. It appears that completely drying out the tank is an absolute must...

[simon.williams]

An Italian brand called « power tank ». You can see it on youtube (looks like they specialise in motorbike tanks, but they do a car version which I think was a bit too small still for the PI (or I didn’t dilute it enough). I would have bought something in the UK but custom charges are a pain.

It comes with acid, epoxy & catalyst, you have to buy your own alcohol to rinse.

It clads the inside of the tank with a resin. No idea if it will last.

I don’t quite know how to avoid clogging the smaller pipes other than jamming some dowel or similar down them, plus use imperial bolts to keep the screw-in holes and threads clean for the pick up and return pipes. I ended up having to chip some of the resin away from the petrol sender hole.

Cost me about 75£ in materials. I think a new (second hand) tank from mr Witor is not super expensive?

[simon.williams]

And yes, I did this in the summer having left the tank to bake in full sun for a few hours, it would have been bone dry.

[SouthernMike]

An update on my petrol tank issue...I have discovered 2 holes in the bottom nearside corner
Not only have I got the inside to sort, but the outside too. Any thoughts on hole repairs anyone?
I would upload a picture of the holes, but can't seem to do it...

[SouthernMike]

...well that fooled me...the pictures did upload.....

[simon.williams]

I’d say get a new tank if its that far gone…those two holes are probably just the tip of the rustburg.

[SouthernMike]

Hello Simon, I phoned Chris Witor to find out the tank situation as his website indicated 'out of stock' on the tank for my car. He did say he has some aluminium prototypes, but are not tested yet.
I shall keep looking, but thanks for your input...

[Charles H]

Try Lloyd Reed, South Wales Triumphs or Roger Carnell in Scotland, or Andy Harrison in Devon.