Clean rust inside air tank

[El Bicho Malo]

I just scored a steel tank that I want to use to expand air capacity. What’s the best way to clean rust from the inside, or is it even necessary?

Also, favorite place to buy tank fittings (like thread-o-lets/ bungs, drains, pressure gauges, valves, etc!

Thanks in advance,
Evan

 

[gizardlizard]

There are places you can take it that will add steel shot to the tank and tumble it to remove rust. Works great. Had a few older fuel tanks done like that.

 

[GeoBruin]

Pour a gallon of evaporust in it and rotate it a few times for a few hours each. Or just let it sit in the bottom since that's where the rust is likely worst.

 

[dffay]

The anti-rust solution is good. For additional help, consider dropping in short section of steel chain and seal up the holes with whatever works (like duct tape). Then shake it around like crazy to dislodge the rust and get the solution to penetrate. Hose it out and let it dry completely.

 

[The Cobbler]

are you sure the tank is sound and will hold the pressure?
anyway, I would try an electrolysis set up. very inexpensive & easy peasy

 

[PWC Repair]

I did a 7 gallon with water and a gallon of white vinegar. Let it sit there full for a couple days, rinsed it out good and then sloshed some alcohol around in it to collect the remaining moisture to dump out. Let it dry in the sun for a few hours. Then I poured in a bit of trans fluid and rolled it every direction to coat the inside. Finally tilted it to the drain hole and let it sit for a day to drip out the trans fluid. My theory is that it's clean inside and will have trouble rusting again with the oily coating inside.