Rust in fuel tank. Help!

FordManiac · Feb 20, 2017

So I have a 1987 Ford 3910 tractor. I noticed it started running rough and cutting off. After further investigation I found that the fuel shut off valve has a filter which is clogging up with an orange substance. Looking inside of the tank it appears that there is rust formed along the walls of the fuel tank. I drained out all the fuel put a new shut off valve and replace the fuel filters. My question is if I keep the tank full of diesel from here on out will the rust problem be kept at bay and no longer be an issue? I have attached a picture of the inside of my fuel cap to show you what it looks like. Thank you

Sean in PA · Feb 20, 2017

Sorry, your picture didn't make it.

If you've got rust in the tank then keeping it full will help, but it will gradually get worse. There are several brands of fuel tank re-lining chemicals that can cover over and seal in old rust and keep new rust from forming. The best ones from my experience are the ones that come as a kit that first treat the inside if the tank to remove as much of the rust as possible, usually with a muriatic acid solution. If it is severely rusted, sometimes you need to put in some sort of abrasive agent and agitate it. like nuts and bolts or a length of chain, or something similar, and roll the tank around with the nuts and bolts or chain along with the muriatic acid inside. Once you have removed as much of the rust as possible you then apply the chemical coating to the inside of the tank.

Whatever brand you go with, follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter. Every complaint I have ever seen on these products is from someone who was lazy and didn't follow all of the instructions.

FordManiac · Feb 20, 2017

FordManiac · Feb 20, 2017

(quoted from post at 14:26:23 02/20/17) Sorry, your picture didn't make it.

If you've got rust in the tank then keeping it full will help, but it will gradually get worse. There are several brands of fuel tank re-lining chemicals that can cover over and seal in old rust and keep new rust from forming. The best ones from my experience are the ones that come as a kit that first treat the inside if the tank to remove as much of the rust as possible, usually with a muriatic acid solution. If it is severely rusted, sometimes you need to put in some sort of abrasive agent and agitate it. like nuts and bolts or a length of chain, or something similar, and roll the tank around with the nuts and bolts or chain along with the muriatic acid inside. Once you have removed as much of the rust as possible you then apply the chemical coating to the inside of the tank.

Whatever brand you go with, follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter. Every complaint I have ever seen on these products is from someone who was lazy and didn't follow all of the instructions.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately we had the tractor completely apart so that would have been the best time to fix this issue. I may try keeping it full for a while then if I have issues just remove the tank and repair it properly.

Ken(Ark) · Feb 20, 2017

When I got my 3000 diesel it had a broken handle on the shut off valve . When I replaced the valve I noticed rust in the tank . I had the tractor half apart already so I took the tank off and pressure washed the inside . The tank did not leak before but it had half a dozen pin holes after the cleaning .

I chased holes with a mig welder through lots of thin spots . It is not really a case of if , but when it leaks again , I think I will get a new tank for $120 before spending $80 on a good sealer kit .

Your time and money , but I would leave it alone if it is not leaking .

FordManiac · Feb 20, 2017

Good point. I will just buy a new one when I get to that point. Maybe sooner rather than later. Lol

showcrop · Feb 20, 2017

I cleaned mine by siphoning into milk jugs.

ed1 · Feb 21, 2017

I had the same problem with my 5000D. The rust got past the filter and I had to rebuild the injector pump and the injectors. I cleaned the tank
and used Red Cote and that was 4 years ago! Good luck.
ed1

Rust in fuel tank. Help!

FordManiac

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Sean in PA

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FordManiac

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FordManiac

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Ken(Ark)

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FordManiac

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showcrop

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ed1

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