Old jerry can tarnished inside

[seth_js]

I've got an old jerry can that has been sitting in my shed for a long time. The inside is pretty tarnished and looks like the metal has been eaten away a little or even rusted a bit. Is it safe to put gas from this thing in my truck?

 

[madizell]

Swish it out with a pint of gas, and it is probably okay. But, new cans cost under $20. Why fool with a rusted metal can?

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Some time ago on the TV show "Trucks" was a segment about cleaning the crud out of old gas tanks; I don't remember the product they used but you can try to email them for the info: info@truckstv.com

Pete Wilson

 

[ntsqd]

There are ways to restore the inside to completely usable condition. First ask the question asked above slightly rephrased; Is this can worth the time? If it has sentimental value or some unique feature worth saving then go for it. Otherwise if your time is like mine it's worth more than $20/hr and I probably couldn't complete fixing it in an hour, to say nothing of the price of the products required.

One option for fixing it is POR-15's gas tank liner system. There are likely less spendy methods & products. A mild Muratic Acid slosh (USE EXTREME CAUTION!) followed by a thorough water rinse and then some sort of coating might work.

 

[madizell]

We used to clean rust out of motorcycle gas tanks with radiator flush and a package of BB's. Seal the openings, pour in the flush and BB's, close the lid and shake until your arms drop off. No reason you can't do the same with the metal can.

POR15 is not the only product for sealing tanks, but I think they all work the same. I would still eliminate as much rust as possible before using any sealant or it will continue to rust. But I would not try to seal the inside of the can unless it is approaching terminal.

But before I did any of that, I would stop in at the hardware store for a new can.