Cleaning petrol tank interior?

[BlueSky]

The “Slosh” liner in the Aprilia’s petrol tank has been peeling off for sometime so needed to be cleaned out. I had a local radiator man tackle the soldered seam so I could get it in half and  used paint stripper to get the old sealant off and now have the finish you can see in the photo.

Next step is to remove the surface rust from the interior. My question is what is the best method to do this so as not to damage the steel?

Thanks,

Noel

[the.cern]

Noel, to clean rust from large plain surfaces I use polyester stripping discs, 115mm dia in an angle grinder. That has a minimal effect on the steel, but is very efficient and quick. For small, difficult areas I use a mule skinner, again in an angle grinder (although some have a rev limit of 5000). Jim made up a couple of extra long shanks, about 120mm, which improve accessibility significantly. (http://www.qpaints.co.uk/mule-skin-brush.html). I am sure you can get them down under, but that gives a little more info. about them.

I hope that is of use,

                           Andy

[simonandjuliet]

I use the stripping discs as well on the air grinder, very effective - hard on rust , soft on metal

Re the Slosh - how long had it been in place ? I haven't had a problem with it coming off in the past, but I know others have (and now you) ! What is the percentage of ethanol in your petrol ? They are sneaking in the 10% here in France

Interesting to see the inside of the tank ....

[the.cern]

Here are a couple of photographs of my mule skinner and the long shank turned up by Jim. This mule skinner is near the end of its useful life. New they are normally 50mm or 63mm diameter.

Good luck whatever you use.

                                        Andy

[BlueSky]

Thanks Andy and Simon I think I know what to look for. The Slosh was done way back in August 1991. However I don't think they did it very well as there were some very thick patches and mostly it only got to the bottom of the tank.
We can avoid ethanol petrol here in Victoria as it comes from a different pump, I've only used regular unleaded in the seven years I've had the car, of course I don't know what could have been used when the car was in Europe.
One other thing if you do need to open a tank up as well as the soldered seem is to to remove the six screws that attach the baffles to the top. Yes it is interesting to see inside, also found the tank has had a decent ding that has been filled on the outside! Will keep you informed on my progress.
Noel

[BlueSky]

Have made some progress and got most of the metal clean, the nylon brushes did a good job, the wire brush on the angle grinder did the tougher bits. Next I need to get some panel beating done, not my thing, and then have a final clean. Might have to invest in a mini angle die grinder to get into the really tight sections, although I am going to reline it. Found a FIRA makers stamp, whoever that was.
Noel

[Parisien]

Even a Lancia petrol tank is a work of art..........looking much better and hopefully problem fully solved when work completed.


P

[simonandjuliet]

Lovely, must have taken hours !

[DavidLaver]

Did that extension work ok?  Was there a technique with it such as having the brush wedged into a corner before starting?  Is the chuck separate than the extension?

An idea for the last little corners is a bit of sandpaper and a finger - preferably someone else's!!   

David

[BlueSky]

Yes did take sometime! I'm sure those that do this for a profession must have a quicker method. For the drill extension I used the chuck off my old hand drill screwed onto the hex rod, it helped getting into the centre section and around the baffles. David you're right, some more hand sanding and a bit of work with the Dremel it should be done.
Noel

[BlueSky]

Forgot to post the end result, have put it on my blog

https://lanciaapriliadiary.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/petrol-tank-clean-and-repair/

Noel