exoduschris Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Any ideas for how to clean out and then rust-proof my MJ's diesel tank? Driving today, going up a slight hill, the engine died. Turned out the filter (and the sedimenter) were blocked with rust. A new filter and a clean up of the sedimenter got the engine fired up and running ok. The truck's been stood a while so I'm guessing the diesel tank is rusted inside, and that the bottom of it will be full of the same rust/sludge that I cleaned out of the sedimenter. I guess that draining the tank will get rid of some but not all of the sludge. Any tips for the easiest way to clean it out completely? Is there a rust proofer etc that will help stop the problem in future? Thanks, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosrec Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 If you get it clean best way to keep it like that is keep it full of derv trouble is its expensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Frosts do a very good kit for cleaning and sealing fuel tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyH Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 (edited) Descale the inside by 'sloshing' a piece of chain around in warm water and detergent. Dry with warm air. Reseal with a kit from a motor factor. Best of luck. BillyH Edited November 15, 2011 by BillyH spelling check Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbo Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Have also heard of people using marbles or similar to do the descaling... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haridimos Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Frosts do a very good kit for cleaning and sealing fuel tanks. Can you give more details please? Ho is "Frosts" and how can we find him/them? kostas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoggyDriver Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Make sure you remove the fuel pick up pipe and check it's security. Mine dropped out of the elbow in the Summer causing considerable headache. Replaced the fuel lift pump (which needed changing anyway). They are well known for this apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin craig Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Dear Exodus Chris, In the lift pump on the side of the engine, when you take it apart there is a brass screen, make sure you check this as well. I know from bitter experience. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exoduschris Posted November 17, 2011 Author Share Posted November 17, 2011 Thanks for all advice. Rick W - was the product you were suggesting "POR-15 Metal Ready" from Frost.co.uk ? LoggyDriver - I did wonder at first if it was the pick-up pipe come adrift since the engine died so quickly. I'll check the security of mine when I get the tank off. Thanks all, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder44 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Lash it onto a cement mixer and chuck a load of coarse gravel in plus some water. A method I have used a few times and it works. John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoggyDriver Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Thanks for all advice. Rick W - was the product you were suggesting "POR-15 Metal Ready" from Frost.co.uk ? LoggyDriver - I did wonder at first if it was the pick-up pipe come adrift since the engine died so quickly. I'll check the security of mine when I get the tank off. Thanks all, Chris Hello mate, Yes it would be wise to check. They are soldered into the elbow and the fuel eats away at the solder (so the welder told me) I took mine to a local specialist welder and he brazed it into place, so I shouldn't have any more problems touch wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 I have seen a good few of these pipes on MJ's break off through vibration as well. if you have half a tank reading on the guage and the engine stops, it is a good sign the pipe has broken, as it is situated halfway down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulob1 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 clean them out with chain or by blasting gently, or by simple hand rubbing if you can get your hand in...once cleaned dry thoroughly then spray with hammerite rust and one coat paint, works a treat and a darn site cheaper than any of the other sealant options...I use it on all my trucks and never have a problem once done. Biggest issue is getting into some of the trucks...always do it on a warm day, or ina warm room, the spray will atomise inside the tank and stick to all surfaces...ideally you want it to cover all over so turn the tank regularly, spray and turn, spray and turn...a full can is more than enough to do a 45 gallon tank... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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