Cleaning Metal Gas Tank (5 Rust-Busting Steps)

Imagine this: you’re getting ready for a day in the woods, your chainsaw gleaming in the early morning light. You’ve got trees to fell, logs to buck, and a full day of hard work ahead. But as you reach for your trusty tool, you notice something that sends a shiver down your spine—a rusty gas tank. It’s an all-too-common scenario that can happen to the best of us. A rusty gas tank isn’t just unsightly; it can lead to poor performance and even engine damage. So, what do you do? Don’t worry, my friend, I’ve been there, and I’ve got you covered with a foolproof method to clean that tank in five simple steps.

Before You Begin: Prerequisites and Required Materials

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s make sure we’re fully prepared. Having the right materials and tools at hand can make all the difference.

Materials:

• Rust Remover Solution or Vinegar: Commercial rust removers are designed specifically to tackle rust efficiently. However, white vinegar is a great household alternative that’s acidic enough to break down rust.
• Baking Soda: This will neutralize the acid from the vinegar after cleaning and help with any remaining rust spots.
• Distilled Water: Regular tap water might contain minerals that can contribute to rust formation, so it’s best to use distilled water.
• Clean Cloths: You’ll need these for wiping down surfaces and cleaning up spills.
• Chain Wax or Light Oil for Coating: This will be used to coat the inside of your tank after cleaning, preventing future rust.

Tools:

• Safety Goggles: Protect your eyes from splashes of rust remover or vinegar.
• Rubber Gloves: Keep your hands safe from harsh chemicals.
• A Funnel: This makes pouring liquids into your tank much easier and less messy.
• A Siphon Pump: Essential for draining gasoline from the tank safely.
• Wire Brush or Sandpaper: For scrubbing away stubborn rust patches.
• Small Flashlight: To inspect inside the tank thoroughly.
• Compressed Air (Optional): Helpful for drying the tank quickly.

Prerequisite Knowledge: You don’t need to be a certified chainsaw technician to tackle this task. However, a basic understanding of how to safely handle chemicals and dismantle your chainsaw’s gas tank is crucial. If you’re unsure about any part of your chainsaw, refer to the manual. Trust me; it’s better than playing a guessing game!

Safety First!

WARNING: Always work in a well-ventilated area when dealing with gasoline and rust removers. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled. Remember to wear your safety goggles and gloves throughout the process.

Step 1: Drain the Gas Tank

Let’s get started by emptying out any gasoline left in the tank. This step might seem tedious, but it’s absolutely necessary before removing the tank.

1. Position Your Chainsaw: Make sure it’s stable and on a flat surface. You don’t want it tipping over halfway through the process.
2. Insert Siphon Pump: Place one end into the gas tank and the other end into a safe container. Make sure the container is appropriate for storing gasoline, as you may want to reuse this fuel later.
3. Drain Fuel: Carefully siphon out all the gasoline. Take your time here; rushing could lead to spills, and we definitely want to avoid that. Dispose of it properly if it’s old or contaminated, or store it safely for later use.

TIP: If you’re working in cold weather, try warming up the siphon pump in your hands first. Cold plastic can be brittle and difficult to work with.

Step 2: Remove the Gas Tank

Now that the tank is empty, it’s time to take it off the chainsaw. This might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s not as complicated as it seems.

1. Consult the Manual: Every chainsaw model is a bit different, so follow detailed instructions specific to yours to avoid damaging any parts.
2. Disconnect Fuel Line: Gently detach the fuel line connected to the carburetor. You might need a small wrench or pliers for this step. Be careful not to force anything; you don’t want to damage the connectors.
3. Unscrew Fasteners: With the tank empty, remove any screws or clips securing it in place. Keep them in a safe spot; you’ll need them when it’s time to reassemble everything.
4. Take Off the Tank: Carefully lift it out and set it on your workbench or another stable surface where you can work comfortably.

TIP: Take plenty of photos as you go along. They’ll be invaluable when putting everything back together.

Step 3: Rust Removal

Now comes the fun part—actually getting rid of that rust! There are a couple of options here depending on what you have on hand.

Option A: Rust Remover Solution

This is probably the most straightforward method if you have access to a commercial rust remover.

1. Pour Solution: Use a funnel to pour a rust remover solution into the tank, following the product’s instructions carefully. These solutions are often concentrated and need to be diluted.
2. Swirl Gently: Tilt and turn the tank to ensure even coverage. You want every rusty surface inside that tank covered with the solution.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time. This could be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how severe the rusting is.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Use distilled water to rinse out any residue from the solution once it’s done its job. Repeat rinsing until no more rust particles come out.

Option B: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you’re using household items like vinegar and baking soda, here’s how you do it:

1. Fill with Vinegar: Pour white vinegar into the tank until full. It’s acidic enough to break down rust but safe enough for household use.
2. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda into the vinegar. This will start fizzing, which helps break down rust particles.
3. Agitate Gently: Swirl and shake the tank gently for about 5 minutes. You might want to set it down between shakes if it’s heavy.
4. Soak Overnight: Let it sit overnight for maximum effect. The longer it sits, the more rust it can dissolve.
5. Rinse Well: Rinse with distilled water until all vinegar odor is gone.

TIP: Use a small flashlight to inspect inside for any remaining rust or residue after this step.

Step 4: Scrubbing & Drying

If there are still stubborn rust spots hanging around after soaking, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get scrubbing.

1. Scrub with Wire Brush: Reach inside with a wire brush or piece of sandpaper to scrub away any remaining spots of rust manually.
2. Final Rinse: Another rinse with distilled water won’t hurt at this point.
3. Dry Completely: Use compressed air if available to blow-dry or leave it open in a warm area until completely dry.

WARNING: Ensure no moisture remains before proceeding further; leftover water could contribute to new rust formation.

Step 5: Protective Coating

We don’t want all that hard work going to waste by having rust form again soon after cleaning.

1. Apply Chain Wax or Oil: Use light chain wax or oil inside the tank for protection against future rusting.
2. Swirl Evenly: Ensure an even coat by gently swirling around inside once applied.
3. Reassemble Carefully: Once dry (and only then), reconnect everything carefully following your manual step-by-step.

CAUTION: Avoid using too much oil as excess can mix with fuel affecting performance adversely later on!

Troubleshooting Tips & Best Practices

Let me share some wisdom from my years fiddling around with tools—here are answers common questions might come up along way:

• Q: What if there’s still rust after scrubbing?
  • A: Repeat soaking process using either method above OR try stronger commercial grade remover if necessary next round—persistence pays off eventually!
• Q: How often should I inspect my gas tank for rust?
  • A: Regular checks every few months especially storing saws long periods helps catch early signs prevent bigger problems developing later down line!
• Q: What if my saw doesn’t start after reassembly?
  • A: Double-check fuel lines ensure no moisture remnants inside also double-check connections made securely during reassembly phase!

TIP: Always store chainsaws dry places minimize exposure elements leading potential future issues such corrosion buildup over time!

Important Reminders & Next Steps

Cleaning gas tanks integral part maintaining chainsaws overall health efficiency—it shouldn’t overlooked regular maintenance routine especially older models prone developing such issues due age wear tear factors involved naturally occurring usage conditions overtime:

• Always store dry conditions whenever possible avoid moisture buildup leading corrosion eventually necessitating another round cleaning sooner than later!
• Routinely check leaks unusual wear tear ensure optimal performance longevity tool itself investment worth protecting long haul perspective standpoint alike!
• Consider professional servicing annually just peace mind knowing everything running smoothly behind scenes without unexpected surprises popping up unexpectedly middle crucial job needing completion deadline looming overhead!

Learn more