A good and properly designed fuel tank detains the fuel supply and preserve its temperature at a level below its flash point. A rusty fuel tank whether rust inside or outside is unable to fulfill desired results.

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The fuel tank reservoir also carry out an important function of dispersing heat from the fuel that is came back from the engine.

Rusty Fuel Tank: Why

We shall try to find out signs of rusty fuel tank. How fuel tank become rusty, and how we can avoid.

Signs of Rusty Fuel Tank

The most evident sign is vigorous smell of fuel / gasoline. It is an extreme indication which denotes fuel tank has been failed already.

Is It Safe to Drive?

Smell of fuel indicates presence of gasoline vapours in the interior of cabin. These are poisonous and have unrealized dangerous effects. Never drive in this risky situations.

Loss to Vehicle: Failure of Fuel System

Interior of rusty fuel tank have flakes and particles of rust. These can find their way from inside of fuel tank to the remaining fuel system. These can choke fuel filter and destroy fuel injectors. It results in less fuel supply to engine’s combustion chamber. Over time complete engine failure can take place due to lean running.

Condensation: Major Cause

The air inside fuel tank contains moisture, which leads to condensation. As the water (moisture) condenses, oxygen joins it and leads to rust on the metal surface.

How to Avoid Rusty Fuel Tank?

Major reason for rust in fuel tank is moisture. If you control it, other reasons have not a considerable effect.

1. Avoid Low Fuel Levels in the Tank

You have to maintain the fuel tank level as full. In this way metal surface of tank would not be prone to the air. Water can’t be able to condense on the immersed surface. It is strongly recommended to fill up fuel tank before you park your vehicle for a long period.

2. Avoid Low Quality Fuels

Low quality fuels create acidic environment due to growth of microbial agents. Always fill tank from an authentic fuel station. Try to avoid filling fuel from every station.

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3. Defective Fuel Filler Cap: Rusty Fuel Tank

Regularly monitor your fuel filler cap on each tank fill. If you found it loose, replace it. In this way you can prevent entry of moisture and air to fuel tank.

4. Rust Removal: Safest Chemical Method

Remove rusty fuel tank from the vehicle.
Mix venegar and baking soda and fill the tank with it.
Wait till the mixture turns to bubbles and its color will be changed with rust particles.
Remove this mixture and rinse properly.
Make sure its empty then blow air for proper drying.

5. Cathodic Protection: To Avoid Rusty Fuel Tank

Sacrificial anodes are casted on steel wires.
As water is present at tank bottom, anode chains are inserted here.
Direct current (DC) is applied to the surface of tank.
It produces electrochemical potential.
In results, corroding situation changed to non-corroding.