So portable generator tank spot rust
 

I have a WEN 2017 7 hp portable generator. It was a retirement gift four years ago.
I started it when I got it and then ran it out of gas. It has sat for the last four years. No gas in the tank. Today I took a look at inside the gas tank and it has rust spots inside the tank. Washed out tank with gas. Petcock was filled with rust specks. Petcock has a filter.
Tomorrow it goes to the local car was to get a real cleaning.
Any other thoughts on cleaning or sealing the tank.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

There is tank sealer I've mostly seen sold at motorcycle shops. It's a two part product.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

Thanks for the tip. We have a local Harley shop. I will check with them tomorrow.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

I used evaporust in an old motorcycle gas tank. When I sold the bike 15 years later it was still rust free.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

X2 on the Evaporust. Not sure exactly what it does but on the pieces that I've used it on, the bare metal is not so quick to rust again.

Ive used a product called Kreem for the fat bobs on the shovelhead. Still ended up losing the tanks after the stuff started breaking down and flaking. By then they couldn't be brazed or welded either.

Id start with the Evaporust first. IIRC, its much less expensive as well

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

That's it, Kreem. I have had great results from it, but now that Chris mentions it I have heard of some having issues with it failing. Not sure what went differently but as far as tank "coatings" go, that is what I use. It comes 2-part and as I recall the first step is to clean/prep/etch.

my first thought was arrest the rust and you should be fine. I'd only be concerned with coating is the rust had gotten pretty bad, like seriously pitted. Keep a tank topped off while sitting and there will be no cause for rust

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

To be fair Tim, when I used it, it was on a set of bobs that were already painted and they had a slight crack (like everything else on a Shovel). I was much younger and probably didn't even consider looking at the directions. As with everything, the prep work is key and that was likely where reading the directions would have helped.

The Evaporust was recommended to me once and I gave it a try. It worked fantastic for light surface rust and gave the parts I used it on an almost phosphorous coating. Its weird but I haven't had an part that Ive used the stuff on start to rust after. Its reusable, supposedly non toxic and doesn't seem to mess with my skin. I now keep a gallon around for nuts, bolts ect. Even used on the gas tank for the boy's gas bike chopper.

Your idea of keeping the tank full once the rust is removed though, that's really the ticket.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

If the petcock filter is the only one on the generator rig, add an inline filter just to be sure. They make small ones that fit those small lines. Better a plugged filter then a plugged carb.

Modern gas sucks for long term storage. If you can get some real kerosene, put a little in the tank when you store it. A pint or so is enough. When you fill the tank prior to using the generator, the kerosene will be diluted enough it will just get burned up with the gas. Keep the generator gas in a separate tank/can that you can empty into a vehicle every year or so and replace with fresh gas.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

X2 on keeping the tank topped up and being careful what gas you put in it. I would recommend E0. I also use stabil 360 in my vehicles that don't get constant use, because the vapor protects the unsubmerged part of the tank.

Re: So portable generator tank spot rust
 

It's a amazing. I cleaned the tank. Car wash guy gave me a couple of looks. Cleaned the petcock and filter. Cleaned the carb. Replaced the fuel line. It started on the first pull. Tomorrow I will take it outside and let it run awhile. I added stabil to the gas. I am going to add a filter before the carb. Thinking the carb might be toast even after cleaning I went on the WEN web site and a complete carb is $45. Might buy one just in case.
It's been kind of a fun project. Now back to the Camaro.