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    Ugly, ugly fuel tank

    I have a 1991 Protege LX and the pictures below show its very ugly fuel tank. It is quite rusted and still has a small amount of fuel in it that I am having a very hard time getting out.

    First question, what is the best way to get that last little bit of fuel out? I have turned it upside down and gotten some out. The little plug on the bottom yielded a small amount.

    Next question, what is the best way to remove the rust? I have read that vinegar works pretty well but takes some time. Does anyone here have any tricks up your sleeves for removing the rust from the inside of a fuel tank? It's mostly pretty loose and seems to be mixed with some kind of residue.

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    #2
    If it were mine I would buy a new tank. Otherwise take it in and have it chem dipped. There has to be someone in your area that does that. Thing is after you have it dipped I would bet it will still be compromised structurally. You could also try electrolysis...google that.

    Comment


      #3
      For emptying the tank, I used a syphon pump. The type that's meant for filling a kerosine heater. There should be a drain plug or two on the bottom of the tank as well. Don't try to burn it out.

      For removing the rust, I used a hydrochloric acid solution and a chain. Swished it around until the rust had been dissolved or knocked off by the chain. Then I neutralized the acid residue with some kind of alkaline solution. Don't remember what. After that I used a POR-15 fuel tank restoration kit to prime and paint the inside of the tank. It seems to have worked rather well.

      EDIT: I loosely followed this procedure here when I did mine. /EDIT

      Replacement would be easier, if you can find one in good condition. I couldn't because 4WD.
      Last edited by me109; 01-24-2015, 09:45 PM. Reason: Added link.
      1990 Protege 4WD
      GT-X BP26 swap [AT->MT]|Cup holder cut to fit|Synthetic gear oil|Synthetic brake fluid|Corksport SS brake/clutch lines|Mazdaspeed HV oil pump|GT-X front STB|Corksport type I rear STB|Matching full-size spare wheel|Homebrew Brass shifter bushing|Speed Source brass shifter cable bushings|EDM headlights/corners|FMIC|EDM cabin vents

      1 3 5
      ├┼┤
      2 4 R


      Seeking: Canadian 4WD seatbelts.

      Comment


        #4
        Escort tanks are plastic, so if it would work in a protege then that would be the way to go.
        92 Mazda MX3 GS> For sale, $1750 OBO
        94 Escort wagon--BP swap coming, VF10 Turbo, COP, EVO ECU, 03 ZX2 front end conversion
        "Hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable"
        EV14 330cc@3Bar injector kits available.
        EV14 GT500 injector kits available for the BP. 610cc@3Bar.
        EV14 925cc@3Bar injector kits available
        BP Forged H beam rods available now
        KL Forged H beam rods available now
        K8/KF Forged H beam rods awaiting test fit
        FS Forged H beam rods
        awaiting test fit
        F2 Forged H beam rods awaiting test fit
        FE3 Forged H beam rods coming soon
        Mitsubishi 3.8 MIVEC rods coming soon
        Aluminum CAS/Distributor caps
        BP oil jet eliminators
        EV14 fuel rail spacers
        More stuff coming soon.......

        Comment


          #5
          Thanks for the ideas. I will be getting a new tank once I get this thing up and running enough to know if I am just wasting my time and money or if it is really worthwhile. In the meantime, I plan to clean the tank out as much as I can and as cheaply as I can. I managed to get the last little bit of gas out (not really gas anymore but oxidized sweet smelling nasty sh*t). I got a lot of the residue out and having done that it seems that it isn't really rusted all that badly at all. It is mostly coated in a varnish of some kind. To remove the rust that is in it, I put a couple of gallons of vinegar in it to dissolve the rust, then I will neutralize that with baking soda, rinse it out and dry it out - somehow.

          Comment


            #6
            No luck at local picknpull?
            '90 AWD Protege, full GTR drivetrain swap, ~320 whp daily driver, RIP, and
            '90 AWD Protege, yet another GTR swap, Open class rallycar with a Toyota GT4 gearbox swap, thus crossing the line between hobby and mental illness. And a Brabus E55 K8, removing all doubt.
            http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/vbpi...?do=view&g=110
            http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2599486

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