Paint or Protect Inside of Compressor Tank?

[gdocktor3]

I pulled the 1-1/2" plug out of my tank yesterday and its pretty rusty inside. I had to heat the **** out of it and hang on it with a 3/4" breaker & a cheater, so while its apart I was wondering if there's anything in particular I can spray in there? I was just gonna spray a few cans of rustoluem or something in there. Unless someone has a better idea?

 

[lightning02]

how old is the tank?

 

[gdocktor3]

I havent the slightest idea. I bought it used. Atleast 10 years. It's the 30 gallon 5 hp horizontal craftsman one with the big plastic shroud covering the belt. Looks like this one

 

[maxpower_hd]

I don't know that paint would help. Especially since you can't really spray the entire interior. You could possibly try a POR15 tank kit. I have used it on motorcycle tanks and it's worked great for that. I can't imagine why it wouldn't work.

 

[sberry]

Leave it alone.

 

[gdocktor3]

Yea I just thought if there was something quick and easy I could do while I have the plug out I would do it.

 

[sberry]

I wouldn't dump something in it with explosive vapors, it may be an unrealistic fear so take that in to consideration but this is something I don't mess with unless I have to.
I haven ever seen rust come up thru one. I am sure someone has seen it happen so I cant quote it as gospel but never had rust in a filter.
I can see some in sitting steel air lines but the stuff pretty much lays in the bottom of a tank. Even drain water isn't usually rusty.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm not worried about it coming through the lines. I want to do it to increase the tank's longevity.

 

[pcmeiners]

If your so worried get magnesium anodes from marine supplier, they make small rods which are thread for pipe fittings. Basically threaded into a fitting off the drain spigot.

http://www.reddenmarine.com/canada-...th-plug.html?gclid=CKLoj_7Y7csCFcQkhgod6uUHZg

 

[djjsr]

I've been thinking about the same thing. The rust is probably only on the bottom where water collects. I'm thinking that if you use the gas tank sealer like RedKote or Kreem, it would seal it up. The kit includes some stuff to prep then mix the coating stuff up, pour it in, slosh it around and dump out the excess. Leave it open to dry. It works great on motorcycle tanks. Why wouldn't it work for an air tank?

 

[dogdad]

I leave the bottom relieve valve open when not using it,,, so there is a better chance of the tank not sweating and able to dry out.

 

[gdocktor3]

I always leave my valves open, but the damage is already done because I bought it used. Plus, my garage is not climate controlled. This day in age, especially with El Niño and global warming, it gets super cold at night in the garage and then warm and muggy during the day. When I open my tool box, condensation builds on all the tools, leaving them all sweaty. That same outside air is getting into the tank and probably doing the same thing.

I'm not "worried" about it, but since I pulled the plug out and won't be opening it up again after this, I figured I'd try to do something. Por15 sells fuel tank sealer kits too.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Do not put paint in it. Will eventually make its way through the air system and that is bad. Puts some oil in there and move it around, is about the most i would do...

 

[ZRX61]

I know in the past some people have used Glyptal which is an alkyd enamel

 

[gdocktor3]

Do not put paint in it. Will eventually make its way through the air system and that is bad. Puts some oil in there and move it around, is about the most i would do...

I actually thought about taking a can or two of wd40 and spraying the **** out of it, but then I thought the air would dry it out. Reason I say wd40 is because back in the day, my father taught me to drill a tiny hole in the rocker and quarter panels just big enough for the red straw to fit in and load it up. That was on a 1988 Ford F150 plow truck which were/are notorious for rusting out. Not that one though. Motor quit in 2010 and I sold it for $1200 because body was so clean.

 

[TigerDude]

Leave it alone.

I'm in this camp

 

[paulsomlo]

You might try Evaporust. Let it soak for a while, dump it out, rinse with more Evaporust. They claim rust protection for items where the evaporust has been allowed to dry. Give them a call, see what they say. It does have the advantage of nontoxic, nonflammable, and easy to get.