2 pack paint inside a diesel fuel tank ?

[ribbony]

We are cleaning out an steel fuel tank and there is a bit (not too much) of rust inside, does anyone know if two pack primer (newport) is OK to use in such a tank ?

[delmarrey]

Painting is not a good idea in fuel tanks. Rust would do less damage to filters then paint that would most likely come loose.

If the tanks can be removed, it would be better to have them acid cleaned and stick with clean metal. Or if you have an access port, to hand clean with a power wire brush. If it's pitted, I'd make some judgement's for repairs, conditions considered. IMHO

There are some coatings but it has to be 100% not partial.

[Pblais]

I agree with Del. Getting paint to stick is not an easy thing inside a used tank. If it were a new tank you wouldn't need to paint it in the first place.

[easterly]

They used to make a coating for rusted automotive gas tanks. You had to remove the tank, have it boiled out, and then you put the stuff inside and rolled the tank around to coat the interior. It worked great on my friends 57 Chevy gas tank.

[ribbony]

Glad we asked that question. Will polish off the excess rust and use it as is. The rust is not bad, but the tank had obviously sat for many years unused and water would have collected at the lowest point, the rust was below there.

Thanks for the tips !!!!