How to Treat External Rust on Petrol Fuel Tanks

First, safely drain any remaining fuel from the tank and store it in a sealed, safety-compliant container to prevent the risk of fuel leakage during operation. Operators should wear non-slip gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.

Prepare rust removal tools, such as fine sandpaper, a wire brush, a special rust remover, a clean cloth, and rust-proof paint. Ensure that the tools are clean and free of grease.

For light, loose rust, wipe the tank surface with a clean cloth to remove dust and loose particles. Then, gently sand the rusted area with fine sandpaper, following the grain of the tank surface until the rust disappears and the natural metal color is exposed.

For heavier rust, spray the rusted area with a special rust remover. Allow it to soak and soften the rust layer for a while. Then, scrub gently with a soft wire brush, avoiding scratches caused by excessive force. After scrubbing, sand further with fine sandpaper to smooth the surface.

After rust removal, wipe the surface of the tank repeatedly with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any remaining rust, rust remover, and impurities, ensuring the surface is free of any dirt.

Thoroughly dry the surface with a dry cloth or allow it to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area to prevent residual moisture from rusting again. Ensure the surface is dry and clean before proceeding with further treatment.

After the surface of the tank is completely dry, evenly apply a coat of an appropriate anti-rust primer to the rust-removed area. Choose a primer that is compatible with the tank material, ensuring strong adhesion and effectively insulating it from air and moisture.

After the primer has dried, apply a coat of anti-rust topcoat. Choose a color similar to the original color of the tank to prevent rust while maintaining a clean appearance.

After the anti-rust treatment is complete, carefully inspect the tank surface to ensure there are no missed rust marks and that the coating is free of bubbles or sagging, ensuring the protective layer is uniform and intact.

When reinstalling the fuel tank into the equipment, inspect the seals at the joints and replace any signs of deterioration to prevent fuel leakage after installation.

Regularly inspect the tank surface during subsequent use. If any coating peeling or new rust is found, repeat the above steps to repair it promptly to prevent further spread of rust.