Will Boiling the Fuel Tank Damage the Flower Pot?

[BarryD]

I took ownership of my 250SL just last week. The fuel tank is pretty rusty inside. My take from the forums is that I should either replace it or coat it. I'm leaning toward the latter because I haven't even heard the car run yet! Here's my question: can I get the tank 'boiled' at a radiator shop? Will this damage the plastic flowerpot inside the tank? Thanks, Barry

[66andBlue]

Barry,
why would the shop "boil" the tank? Usually it is an acid-cleaning process. See for example this discussion: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14566.0
Which shop is it?
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Will we see you at the Brewery: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15540.0  ?

[ja17]

A lot of radiator shops used a hot tank process it was an acid bath also I believe. It does a good job of cleaning things up. If you coat the tank make sure you read the "fuel tank tour" so you understand the intricacies of the system. Otherwise you will plug up critical passage ways in the tank and flower pot.  The cleaning process should not hurt the flower pot.  All passages in the flower pot, fuel manifold and the internal vent lines of the fuel tank must be blown clear of sealer before it dries!

Iif you are not doing the sealing yourself, make sure that the person doing it understands the system.

It is most important to remove and clean the intake screen in the electric fuel pump intake fitting.  The more obvious drain plug screen in the bottom of the tank should be cleaned up also.

[Benz Dr.]

I don't think it's not acid at all and more likely a mild caustic solution. I would NOT coat any fuel tank, you're asking for trouble. The chances of some or most of it coming loose and really making a mess are geater than dealing with a rusty tank.

 The flower pot is some sort of plastic and won't be hurt. This creates a problem however since anything stuck in the inner baffle may not be removed from the cleaning process.