Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

[Larry S.]

I have a '64 327 FI expansion Tank that I would like to cleanup. It looks good, but could look fresher and am wondering how I can make it look close to "like new" condition. Should I use a very (0000) fine steel wool or is that a "no-no"? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Edward B.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Even the finest steel woll will leave little pieces behind that will soon turn into rust spots.

[Edward S.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Do they make oooo fine brass steel wool?

[John F.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

I would etch it with a diluted muriatic acid and water solution. Use a soft brush or old tooth brush. Should clean it up a little.
John F

[Troy P.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Any kind of steel wool will make it shiny - not good. You could use it to clean it up but would then need to use a chemical wash of some sort (phophoric acid perhaps, like metal prep) to make it dull again.

[Larry S.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Thanks, as that gives me some ideas as to what to try. Maybe an aluminum cleaner?

[Jean C.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Larry,
If it were my tank and I intended to clean it, I would test the various suggested products on a part of the tank that is not visible when installed. Then I would be damn sure that I wanted to do the entire tank before proceeding. On a similar note, I once polished a brass antique cigar humidor...one of the dumbest things I have ever done (and there have been several I can assure you) was removing the patina from that piece.
Best regards,

[Troy P.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Yes, that would be worth a try. If you can get an old leaking tank at a swap meet to experiment on that would be the best approach.

[Michael M.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Larry I had good results with a aluminum trailer cleaner. It removes any oxidation from aluminum therefore it brightens the metal. The product has to be diluted because it is a acid. If interested the company is called BAW Group in Fairfield N.J. and the plone number is 800-851-1443. Please read the directions.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

I would etch it with a diluted muriatic acid and water solution. Use a soft brush or old tooth brush. Should clean it up a little.
John F

I wouldn't do that. Maybe if you diluted the heck out of it. But as it comes out of the jug, it'll turn aluminum black.

[Jerry G.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Any kind of steel wool will make it shiny - not good. You could use it to clean it up but would then need to use a chemical wash of some sort (phophoric acid perhaps, like metal prep) to make it dull again.

I have used an "aluminum paint prep" in a diluted solution. I think it's Phophoric acid . sold at auto paint stores. Works well in giving it a clean "as cast" patina

[Larry S.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Thanks for all your ideas. A friend of mine has an old damaged tank that I will use to test cleaners on first.

[Jack H.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

PS: There IS an aluminum form of Naval Gel (basically phosporic acid) designed for just this kind of application...

[Roy H.]

Re: Expansion Tank Cleanup.....

Has anyone ever tried walnut shells in a bead blast cabinet ?