Re: Cleaning Out XJ6 Fuel Tank Rust

On 16/05/2026 02:32, OmberJag wrote:
> 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.
> 



If the flakes of rust are THAT big then its a surprise that the tank 
doesnt leak