[Healeys] Gas Tank Restoration

[Harold Manifold]

Al,

For what it is worth this is how I cleaned out an old Healey gas tank like
what you have described.

Drained the tank and removed and stripped off everything except the fuel
pickup which isn't removable but has a mesh screen on the end. Once the
tank was dry I flushed with a garden hose then added a vinegar solution and
a length of chain and with some assistance shook the tank so the chain
would scour the inside surfaces. Flushed with water and back flushed the
pickup tube. Hydrochloric (Muriatic) acid is very effective on rusty iron.
The problem is neutralizing the acid when done to stop the acid attaching
the iron. Water won't do it. Vinegar is easier to handle, neutralize and
dispose of. Heat up the vinegar solution for a little added punch if not
getting the job done.

Install a good inline filter preferably between the tank and the fuel pump
to catch any residual debris.

Hope this helps... Harold



On Fri, Apr 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM Al Fuller <alfuller194 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I am in the process of reviving a car that has sat for several years. The
> gas tank was partially full of old gas, which when pumped out brought out a
> lot of rust. As such, I am thinking I will be needing to clean out and
> restore the inside of this tank.
>
> Do any of you have experience with any of the gas tank restoration kits on
> the market? If so, please share your experience of using it and how it
> performed over time.
>
> I'm sure others will offer other opinions, such as 'just use muriatic
> acid', 'just use vinegar', 'just use Coca-Cola', etc... - So, I'll bite: If
> you have actually used something other than a commercial kit, please share
> those experiences, too!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> ===========================
> Al Fuller
> 714.335.0248 Mobile
>
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