Storing an empty fuel tanks for years

[Guest]

Hey all. Anyone have tips on storing an empty fuel tank for years? I'm thinking I'll keep it in the house, but even in the house there is some moisture in the air (at least up here in BC there is). Just trying to prevent a headache down the road.

 

[Nessism]

What about some motor oil in the tank? Swish it around every year or so? I think that should work to keep rust at bay.

 

[Tom R]

I've never stored a tank for very long, but I used oil and an air tight bag to store a cast iron block in my basement for two years without any rust.
It gets somewhat humid down there sometimes.

 

[chuck hahn]

Motor oil will turn to gummy black goo after a while..in my experience anyways. I just slosh a bit of diesel around and that leaves a good oily coat. Do that evry 6 months or so and all is well. Just a rinse with some gas when your ready to use it again. And you can also get some of that aluminum furnace tape and cover the openings once you coat it ..to keep out moisture.

 

[hampshirehog]

Bikes that run on petroil never seem to have rusty (inside) tanks, even if they have been empty for years. Based on that I mix a bit of oil with petrol, let it sit in the tank a while and then empty it (use the fuel in the lawnmower - she smokes enough as it is anyway).

 

[Flyboy]

Spray a good misting of Q20 into it and vacuum bag it, no air = no rust.
Vacuume sealers are cheap enough at your local home depot/walmart/whatever.

 

[Suzuki_Don]

Bikes that run on petroil never seem to have rusty (inside) tanks, even if they have been empty for years. Based on that I mix a bit of oil with petrol, let it sit in the tank a while and then empty it (use the fuel in the lawnmower - she smokes enough as it is anyway).

I agree with Wally, on the same thought -- who has ever seen a two-stroke with rusted out exhaust pipes or mufflers. It just doesn't happen.

 

[rustybronco]

Mil spec cosmoline?

 

[FreshStart]

Ive never stored a tank long but i know a guy that does. He fills them with wd-40

 

[duaneage]

Kerosene or diesel is a good choice, no alcohol in that stuff and they are a heavy oil compared to gas. Low evaporation rate and far less flammable. Don't be too concerned about any left over, if you fill a 4 gallon tank back up with gas the amount of diesel will be insignificant and gone after one tank.

 

[Ranger]

Look into those bags for clothes people use where you can suck the air out with a regular vacuum. I think its like $10 for a bag that you could fit 2 tanks in. Wouldn't hurt to put powder in the tank too, kinda like those anti moisture things that come in medication bottles. http://www.hangercity.com/spacebagjumbo.html

Just a thought for convience without chemicals and a controlled enviornment.
Edit: more extreme but same concept. http://www.vac-bags.co.uk/bike.htm

I found a lot of other bike sites that did what I mentioned.