Sylvie Willis
If you're looking to clean the fuel tank of your Fordson Super Major, there are a few methods you can try. One forum user suggested using a product like KBS Paint/Tank Strip to remove old sealant, while another recommended using a small packet of drywall screws and shaking the tank for half an hour. It's important to note that some methods, like scrubbing the silver lining with a wire brush and acetone, may not be effective in the long term as certain types of algae can still colonize the inner surfaces of the tank. In this case, replacing the tank with a new ABS tank may be the best solution.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning a Fordson Super Major Fuel Tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sealant Removal | Use a product specifically designed for this purpose or cut out corrosion and weld the area before using KBS Paint/Tank Strip or Dichloromethane (DCM/methylene chloride) stripper |
| Sealant Failure | Instead of removing old sealant, consider adding another layer, following instructions carefully |
| Fuel Storage | Use drums or barrels kept in a clean, dry shed with a concrete floor; use a 40-gallon barrel fitted with a tap and mounted lengthwise on a trestle, sloping downwards to allow sediment to settle at the rear |
| Fuel Handling | Ensure fuel is completely free from dirt or water by using reputable grades and storing in a bulk storage installation with a tank and pump or a gravity feed installation |
| Tank Material | Avoid galvanised tanks as zinc reacts with diesel fuel, forming compounds that affect fuel injection equipment; consider ABS tanks as a replacement |
| Tank Cleaning | Do not scrub the silver lining with a wire brush and acetone as it may lead to algae growth; use biocide to shock the tank |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old sealant
First, it is important to choose an appropriate product for removing the sealant. There are specific products available for this purpose, such as KBS Paint/Tank Strip or Nitromors, which can effectively break down and remove the old sealant. These products typically require time to work and can be aided by containing the vapour in a plastic bag, as suggested by a user on the Fordson Tractor Pages Forum.
Once the product has been applied and given sufficient time to work, the next step is to physically remove the loosened sealant. This can be done by using drywall screws and shaking, rattling, and rolling the tank for about half an hour. This method helps dislodge the old sealant from the interior surfaces of the tank. Alternatively, a wire brush can be used to scrape away the sealant, especially in areas that are difficult to reach.
In some cases, the sealant may be particularly stubborn or thick. One option to consider is Dichloromethane (DCM) or methylene chloride stripper. This chemical stripper is a powerful solvent that can effectively break down and remove old sealant. However, it is essential to exercise extreme caution when using this substance as it is described as nasty stuff, indicating potential safety hazards. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when working with such chemicals.
After removing the majority of the old sealant, it is important to clean the tank thoroughly. This can be done by rinsing the tank with a suitable solvent or cleaning solution, ensuring that all residue from the sealant and the removal process is eliminated. Finally, it is crucial to allow the tank to dry completely before proceeding with any further maintenance or repair work.
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Cleaning products
KBS Paint/Tank Strip (or Nitromors)
KBS Paint/Tank Strip is a powerful product that can help remove old sealant and corrosion from your fuel tank. It's important to follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions when using this product, as it can be slow-acting and strong. Putting the tank in a plastic bag can help contain the vapours and enhance its effectiveness.
Drywall Screws
For physical cleaning, drywall screws can be a useful tool. By placing them inside the fuel tank and shaking vigorously, you can scrape away at stubborn sealants and built-up deposits. This method can be tedious but is an effective way to mechanically remove unwanted substances from the tank's interior.
Dichloromethane (DCM) or Methylene Chloride Stripper
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a powerful chemical stripper. It can be used to remove sealants and corrosion but should be handled with caution due to its strength. Always follow safety guidelines when working with such chemicals.
Wire Brush and Acetone
A wire brush, in combination with acetone, can be effective for scrubbing away at the inner surfaces of the fuel tank. This method can help remove stubborn build-ups, but it's important to be careful not to damage the tank itself. Ensure you wear the appropriate protective gear when handling acetone.
Biocide
In some cases, a biocide may be necessary to treat any algae or bacterial growth within the fuel tank. However, it's important to note that biocides may not always be effective, and physical cleaning methods may still be required.
Remember to wear the appropriate protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, when handling any cleaning chemicals. Always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the specific instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturers of the cleaning products.
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Welding and corrosion
Welding on a fuel tank is a potentially dangerous process that requires careful preparation to ensure safety. Proper fuel tank cleaning is critical before welding to prevent explosions caused by the ignition of residual vapours and fumes from gasoline or diesel. Even a small amount of residual fuel can create a highly flammable environment, and welding can easily ignite these vapours, leading to devastating consequences. Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary precautions and follow recommended procedures when cleaning a fuel tank before welding.
One crucial step in preparing a fuel tank for welding is removing any old sealant or sealer. This can be done using a product specifically designed for this purpose or, as one person suggested, by cutting out the corrosion and welding a patch over it. Once the old sealant is removed, the tank should be cleaned thoroughly. Steam cleaning is highly effective at removing residual fuel and vapour. If steam cleaning is not possible, the tank can be rinsed multiple times with hot water to help evaporate any remaining fuel.
After cleaning, the next critical step is to displace any remaining oxygen in the tank to create a non-flammable environment. This can be done by filling the tank with an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. This step is crucial for preventing explosions during welding. Additionally, it is important to ground the fuel tank to prevent static electricity buildup, which could also ignite fuel vapours.
Some people have suggested using a match to burn off the fumes before welding, but this is not recommended as it can be dangerous. Instead, it is better to use a method like back-gassing with a non-flammable gas such as nitrogen or argon to ensure a safe environment for welding. It is also important to purge the tank during welding to remove any flammable vapours. This can be done using a gas like argon or, as an old-school trick, by running engine exhaust into the tank during welding.
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Removing fuel from barrels
If you need to remove fuel from a barrel, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use a clean, dry barrel that is free from any dirt or water. This is because even the smallest particle of dirt that enters the fuel pump can cause issues with the injection equipment. The most recommended setup for fuel storage is a bulk storage installation with a tank and pump. However, if you need to use drums or barrels, there are a few guidelines to follow.
Firstly, ensure that the barrels are placed in a clean, dry shed with a concrete floor. Use a 40-gallon barrel, fitted with a tap and mounted lengthwise on a trestle. The barrel should slope downwards approximately half an inch per foot away from the tap. This will allow any sediment in the fuel to settle at the rear of the barrel, ensuring that the fuel drawn from the tap is clean. It is important to never tip the barrel to use the fuel below the level of the tap, as this can cause contamination.
Always replace the bung securely in the top of the barrel after use, and clean up any spilled fuel immediately. Fuel oil does not evaporate and will collect dust and dirt if left unattended. If you need to remove old sealant from the barrel, there are specific products available for this purpose. One method is to use a product like KBS Paint/Tank Strip (similar to Nitromors) to remove the sealant. This method can be slow and tedious, but it is effective. Place the barrel in a plastic bag to contain the vapours and enhance the effectiveness of the product.
Another method for removing old sealant is to use drywall screws and Dichloromethane (DCM) stripper. This method can be more time-consuming and requires careful handling due to the toxicity of Dichloromethane. It is important to follow safety guidelines when working with this chemical. Shake the barrel for about half an hour to help loosen the sealant. Additionally, ensure that you follow the instructions on the products you use for removing sealant, as this can help prevent issues and ensure the effectiveness of the process.
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Using biocide
Biocides are a great way to clean your Fordson Super Major fuel tank. Biocide treatment can be used to kill microbes in diesel fuel. This is particularly useful as today's cleaner-burning fuels have less sulfur content, which creates an ideal environment for microbes to grow in fuel tanks.
The first sign of microbial contamination is often a mucous-like substance on fuel filters, and you may find yourself having to replace filters more often. Biocide treatment can prevent this. It is also effective as a "quick-kill" solution and for long-term diesel fuel maintenance. It prevents fuel-filter plugging and fuel system failures by killing microbes such as bacteria and fungi that grow in water associated with diesel fuels.
To use a biocide treatment, first, determine how much additive you will need for your tank size. You can use an online product calculator to work this out. The biocide is then added to the fuel. It is important to note that this treatment is for use in hydrocarbon preservation and control of microbial growth in diesel oil, fuel oil, gasoline, or kerosene. It should not be added to the diesel exhaust fluid tank.
Biocide treatment can be used as a shock treatment, as described by a Ford Truck Enthusiast on a forum. They used biocide to treat their fuel tanks after noticing brown slime covering the fuel filters. However, this user also noted that biocide did not work for them as the problem returned. They concluded that the only solution was to replace the tanks with new ABS tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you get your tractor serviced by skilled mechanics who can inspect the tractor thoroughly and detect any minor defects. However, if you want to clean the fuel tank yourself, you can use a product to remove old sealant and corrosion, such as KBS Paint/Tank Strip. You can also use drywall screws and Dichloromethane (DCM) stripper to strip out the old sealer.
If your fuel tank has algae, you can scrape it off using a wire brush and acetone. However, this may not be a permanent solution as the algae can come back. The best solution is to replace the tanks with new ABS tanks.
It is essential that the diesel fuel used in your tractor is completely free from dirt or water. Only use reputable grades of fuel and store your fuel in a clean, dry place.
While some parts of your tractor do not require frequent servicing, it is advisable to have your tractor checked periodically by a trained mechanic. Your local Fordson Tractor Dealer will be happy to discuss a suitable maintenance scheme.
