vinegar

[redliner]

Hi all - I've got a couple of old fuel tanks which need de-rusting.
I've seen comments on various forums about using apple cider vinegar to do the job.
My question is - can the vinegar be re-used to do more than one tank/application?
Thanks for any advice.

[daxman]

It probably works..
..eventually.

But i prefer phosphoric acid 10-15 % conc.
There's a lot of say-ers on the internet and far fewer do-ers as a result most of whats out there is hearsay.
Phosphoric works best IMO and I also tried the electrolysis caper too.

[rodent]

Vinegar works fine as I've done it many times, I usually leave it in for a week
Just be sure to remove your cap and tap as the vinegar will destroy the pot metal

[SaesnegShaun]

I used a product called evaporust to de-rust mine. Worked realy well and is re-usable.

[badgereng]

I can second the Evaporust also. Worked a treat. Sealed it with POR15 fuel tank sealer.
Neither are cheap but they transformed what was a rust bucket of a fuel tank.

[dollydog]

i always use dilute citric acid - the stuff they make bath bombs out of. leave it in a couple of days, then tip it down the drain. no harmful chemicals in it, so don't worry. wash it out well and then use por 15 metal prep. it's a bit dear, but you can re-use it. make sure the tank is perfectly dry and use por 15 tank sealant. again not cheap, but does a brilliant job as long as your prep work is good. worked well for me half a dozen times and i wouldn't use anything else
cheers, dd.

[redliner]

That's great folks - thanks very much!

I've got Evaporust and phosphoric acid here, but as has been mentioned, they're not cheap - was looking at the vinegar as a cheapo alternative as long as it could be re-used.

Was just looking in the shed and I have at least 4 tanks to do ; they're all in a similar state, so I'll see if I can do a comparison using what I've got and also the vinegar once I've sourced it.

[daxman]

Phosphoric is cheap enough and I reckon re-usable to some extent ( might lose some potency)..

This could be diluted b 4:1 I reckon to give a goodly amount and still be effective..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115254961364?

Vinegar is generally pretty low acidity.. so will be sloooow.

Citric acid not a bad choice either and can be bought as descaler - from Wilcos even. You might find a few 250g packets at £1.75 quite cost-effective

[daxman]

That's great folks - thanks very much!

I've got Evaporust and phosphoric acid here, but as has been mentioned, they're not cheap - was looking at the vinegar as a cheapo alternative as long as it could be re-used.

Was just looking in the shed and I have at least 4 tanks to do ; they're all in a similar state, so I'll see if I can do a comparison using what I've got and also the vinegar once I've sourced it.

From the rebore run-in post I learn you're up and running - what comparative results did you get on the de-rust initiative!?