Cleaning Out XJ6 Fuel Tank Rust
OmberJag <[email protected]> 16 May 2026 11:32:45 +1000
| Newsgroups | alt.autos.jaguar,free.autos.jaguar |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ausics - https://newsgroups.ausics.net |
| Message-ID | <[email protected]> |
I've got one of the rusty, gunky, fuel tanks out of my 1983 SIII XJ6 that I'm trying to get back on the road. The car runs from the other tank, but the pre-pump filter I fitted blocks up with rust after a few minutes running, so I've got to to clean that tank later as well. There aren't any businesses advertising fuel tank repairs anywhere nearby that I can find, so cleaning them will need to be a DIY job. For removing the rust I can get some Sulfamic Acid for free (mixed with Sodium Bisulfate). Phosphoric Acid seems more commonly used, but Sulfamic Acid manufacturer websites say it works for rust removal too (10-20% concentration). First I'll spin the tank on a cement mixer with a chain inside to break off the big flakes of rust, of which there look to be plenty. The other option I'm considering is washing soda and a battery charger for the electrolysis method of rust removal. I'm not sure if that might be more or less likely to encourage fresh rust after treatment? At the moment I'm thinking I won't use one of the tank sealer products since it sounds like they can be a new source of gunk in the fuel line, so I'm hoping I can seal the tank up and won't immediately go rust again, as some say happens using Muriatic acid. Or the reproduction fuel tanks do look tempting. RockAuto seem cheapest for them (inc. delivery to Australia). About $750 each. I'll at least have a go at reclaiming the originals though. -- OmberJag's Jags: 1990 4L Jaguar XJ40 1986 3.6L Jaguar XJ40 (parts car) 1983 4.2L Jaguar XJ6 SIII