I Clean Rusty Fuel Tanks In My Clothes Dryer

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANK$ button above 🙌 Here's another creative tool video you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZqcZJygbJaWsLc

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Cool Beans Stella!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Kenny!

[@joeortiz3455]

Thank you Stella now I know how I'm going to clean my craftsman tiller tank

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If your tank has the internal baffles, use smallish ballast. I've had bigger things get caught in the holes. Thanks for watching!

[@staind288]

And how to piss off the wife 😂 don't matter what you yell them, they get mad at everything

[@chrisbrown7362]

Chock Full o' Nuts! And bolts!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Heh! I hadn't thought of that. 😂

[@robertmailhos8159]

Well at least you got it cleaned up your way there young lady 💐🌹

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers!

[@haneyoakie14]

I have an old dryer that I quit using when it wouldn’t heat and I bought a $40 Marketplace 1985 whirlpool that my wife said was the dumbest thing I ever bought. 7 years later, the $40 dryer still going strong. I could use the old one for this! Thank you Paul! GOOD DAY!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Old appliances were meant to last. Not any more 😳

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady in 7 years I have put 1 belt on it and later, a new igniter. That thing has paid for itself a 1000 times over. Seven of us were in this household then, just 3 now. Soon to be 2. Nice when kids hit 30 and move out.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@haneyoakie14 30? You have earned sainthood if the kids stayed that long!

[@haneyoakie14]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools last kid is supposed to be out on 10/1. She is 24 and Knows It All. Just like she Knew It All at 18 when she moved out the first time and 21 when she moved out the second time. Kids 1, 2 & 3 bought a house together two years ago. Currently 33, 31, and 30, the daughters haven’t killed the son. Yet. But I think they might try to kick him back over here now that the 24 is supposed to be gone.

[@markwiley9516]

My wife said don't even think about it I think it is a great idea Stella 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

She doesn’t have to know, you know? 🤣

[@SandiRose2008]

You know as soon as I saw the Title my eyes went big and I thought, What??? Loved the video. Thanks, Stella!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You are so welcome Ms Sandi ! i appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@nashguy207]

Great Tip Stella! Never thought of that before. I will have to do it when the wife is at work. lol

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Go for it!

[@hester781]

Awesome video! Love the Paul Harvey reference!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you liked it! He was a great story teller.

[@almclean4835]

My wife would kill me, she’s not happy when I use the kitchen sink to wash parts. Now I need a cement mixer and not for mixing cement 😁

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I can keep a secret Mr Al. 😃

[@BrucesShop]

OK I am not sure if Mrs. P would go for this. At 13:22 You had me !!! 15:25 you nailed it Good for you to show everything. I am the same. RIGHT ON !!! I use anything small and sharp. Then attach it to my rear lawn tractor wheel and go for a ride. You Rock.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I won't tell if you won't tell :)

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow very nice technique!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you like it!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Nice job Stella

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks! 😊

[@donmayberryjrsOPE]

Great idea! I've got 2 tanks to do right now and had 2nd thoughts because my shoulders just can't t lolake all that shaking going on! Then I thought I'll buy a paint shaker and now so glad you posted this! Thank you!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The first time I tried this on an old Suzuki motorcycle tank, I was shocked how clean the inside was.Thanks for watching!

[@jimbrewer2893]

A paint shaker may be too aggressive.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@jimbrewer2893 I think you might be right

[@jimbrewer2893]

Time to go to the resale store and buy an old dryer!!

[@TheRustyRooster]

Great tip Paul 👍🏻. Try using a length of chain instead of nuts and bolts. Alot easier to remove

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Great idea! I tried it once, but went back to nuts-n-bolts. The rest of the story is sort of embarrassing 😬

[@plumkey197]

@@TheLawnmowerLady It seems the chain lacks the sharp edges necessary for rust removal, even though I freely admit I've never tried this method. The bottle caps are a really great idea but are nonetheless very difficult to obtain nowadays.

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Cement mixing machines are also pretty good😎

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good to know!

[@kareno8634]

*"Vinegar"* to Minimise Flash Rust. NICE, didn't know that. *Thanks!*

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad to help!

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

The older Briggs tank and carb combos , I rebuild them ahead of time and they are sitting on the shelf waiting to be installed . When i need them all I have to do is swop them out a big time saver .

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good idea. That's something on "my list" that never seems to get done. 🤣

[@walleyeye]

Great video!!! Your sense of humour about doing it when the miss’s is shopping is hilarious!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you!! 😁 Cheers!

[@plumkey197]

I used this method on my Generac 6.7 gal metal tank. It may be too large for my drier, but the addition of bottle caps is your idea to be set in motion. I used pea gravel mixed with 3/4 gal white vinegar/ I used the stock cap and a screw on the breather fitting and a rubber stopper where the petcock installs. I left the gas gauge in place since it doesn't work. Over a 4 day period, I shook the tank using various positions- each "shaking" I had tank in a different position and shook for 5 minutes each time. total shaking time was approx. 40 min. Emptied gravel and vinegar, rinsed with water, and made a solution of boiling water and dawn - about 2 gallons. Shook vigorously for a few minutes, then rinsed several times. Then in my oven the tank went at 150 degrees until dry, removing the gas gauge and breather fitting. Took about 15 min. To keep it from rusting again, I put some 2 cycle oil in the tank and turned it upside down to coat this part of the tank, since it will be exposed to air and possible condensation. I use stabilized 87 octane w/ 10% ethanol and keep the tank full at all times. I run it once a month for an hour or so to burn off any condensation that may have settled at the bottom of the tank. I did the above about 3 years ago and this generator performed flawlessly when hurricane Ida came tearing through here and knocked my power out for 6 days. Generator has a Chinese Savior fuel petcock with new sock filter, a Chinese carburetor replacement, and a genuine plastic Honda needle valve to replace the metal version, which is affected by small amounts of corrosion caused by H2O contamination and ethanol gasoline mixtures which have been allowed to remain in the fuel system for prolonged periods of time - sometimes for years. One of my neighbors had this same generator and the metal needle valve got stuck in the open position, started leaking gas from the carburetor while running under load, and started a fire that almost burned his house down! He just happened to be outside when this happened and was able to use a fire extinguisher to put it out. The metal needle valve sticking in its bore is a known issue with the Generac 10 HP engine. Mine is a GP-5500 that's about 12 years old. The part # for the Honda needle is 16011-ZAO-931 and this is an exact replacement for the metal version on Generac gensets with the 10 HP engine. I obtained my Honda part locally at an equipment dealer. and was cheaper than ordering on-line because of the shipping and handling charges on such a small order. There are several videos here on YT that describe this issue and the actual repair for this common and very dangerous issue. I used a wire wheel on my metal needle and it solved the problem for 9 months - then malfunctioned during a power outage.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good info on that Honda replacement part. Sorry your genie is giving you trouble again, but glad your neighbor didn’t go up on flames. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@plumkey197]

@@TheLawnmowerLady If this tank rusts again, I believe it will fit in my dryer, so it will be your method, then cleaning and degreasing, then an application of Rust Kutter to change left over rust to an inert material that is suitable for painting. This may control any rust already there without adding something like Redkote that will conceal areas where rust has taken a foothold. This is one of those few times that a plastic tank has benefits over a metal tank. My briggs 5550W has a plastic tank, but also it's own set of issues, including the Nikki carb and an overly sensitive main breaker that trips well below the wattage threshold and proving to be not as dependable as the Generac with nearly identical ratings. Thank you for what you do and look forward to your videos.

[@waynestefinashen239]

You get an ATTAGIRL for this one Stella!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Wayne!

[@marshmower]

So many good tips and every episode is an adventure.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Great video !!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@robcole332]

Great idea

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Great trick Stella!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Bill Cheers!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@TheLawnmowerLady 😁

[@beakittelscherz5419]

What an awesome idea!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you think so!

[@beakittelscherz5419]

"Do this while the Missus is not Home..." - unless you're the Missus! 😂😂😂😎

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Prost!

[@garygary8645]

Bottle caps and a clothes dryer? Brilliant. Thanks for this and all your videos

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Works like a champ Mr Gary! I’m sorry this tank had been coated. The results in an uncoated tank are really astounding.

[@WNCworks]

That's a good tip, but a lot of prep work. I just put the rear of my old 5 speed riding mower on jack stands, bungee strap the gas tank to a back tire, throw some nuts and washers in there, put it in 1st gear, and let it roll.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree it's a lot of prep, but I don't own a garden tractor. 😃 Thanks for watching.

[@honphan4366]

Very clever Thank you

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Thanks for that video , Stella. I’ve seen Taryl use Red Kote but now I can see that is probably only a temporary fix, just like rubberized undercoating for cars. The first pinhole they get allows water intrusion and rust starts to form and migrate under the coating. What I want to know is, once you’ve removed the rust what prevents new rust from forming again in a perfectly clean tank - just using it? I saw the WD40 treatment to prevent flash rust, but that only lasts until the first fill up of fresh gas, right? Maybe mix a little oil with the gas once in a while? What caused rust in the first place - disuse of the machine over a long period of time? Rein’s got questions! 😉😂

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Keep the tank filled to the neck. Went to visit a friend this summer who had two antique scooters (2T premixed) sitting for over three years, with completely full tanks. Started right up, with a few extra kicks. No air means no room for condensation, and I think the 3% oil mix helped. Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I was thinking keeping the tank filled must be the only way to prevent condensation and subsequent rust. 3% oil? 2T? Translations please?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

2T= two stroke 3%= 32:1 fuel to oil premix ratio

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Oh, ok! Thanks!

[@jimbrewer2893]

Stella, have you looked into rubber expansion plugs for the openings??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I have a collection for pressure testing engines, but most tanks I do have odd shaped holes, or holes too small.

[@andersforrad]

Nice one Stella - I use small stones and tried once - worked great. Thanks for a great vid - cheers! 👋

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Anders. It works well, as long as there’s no coating added to the tank. Thanks for watching!

[@mc2whls]

Works well.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Question, Stella. I’ve got your list of three different cleaning solutions and ratios pinned up above my ultrasonic cleaner. I just used the PineSol mix today on a B&S carb and it came out okay. The bowl nut which is a brass mixture came out really beautiful. Afterwards it occurred to me that you may have specific uses for each of those recipes. Can you share? Idea for a video? 😉🔧🧰

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

No hard and fast rules for me. I usually base my ratios on how gunked up the parts have become. Thanks for watching!

[@themowerman]

Wow this is mad.. great job Hun

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Sir Mick! Did you get the electrical sorted on your dryer?

[@VintageEngineRepairs]

When you told me this yesterday I had to check it out, such a good idea! Shame the tank was coated, but it’s the method that’s important for us in this case. The only downside? I don’t own a tumble dryer in Australia haha. Beautiful Vespa by the way!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Tom! I was astonished with the results the first time I did this on a small motorcycle tank. Cheers!

[@ChrisSmith-fp1tw]

Love this. Brilliant!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Works like a champ!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Welcome!

[@tomdale1313]

Genius!

[@tonywampler217]

Very very good 👍😊❤

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Genius

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Lawn mower lady, just heard on the Chicmecanic channel that Honda is going to quit manufacturing their lawnmowers and sounds like all their lawn equipment starting September 2023. Parts will still be made and available.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yep, I heard that a few weeks ago myself. Honda makes a superior product. But competing with the $225 import mowers, I understand their position, even though I hate to see them go.

[@elkahunna]

thanks stella you lending me your can of nuts and bolts 8 years ago. worked like a charm. the Mrs found out what I did, chewed me out, and questioned my sanity. we're no longer married but that's not why.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

😂 I forgot about that!

[@RattyFlyer]

Neat idea 👍👍👍

[@budgillett9627]

Gorilla Tape will not leave any gooy residue it will simply pull the paint off.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

LOL!

[@haneyoakie14]

I love the PH reference. Does that make me old?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Join the club! 🤣

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady better than the alternative

[@haneyoakie14]

WD-40 And Duct Tape! Fixes 99% of problems.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I know, right?

[@Inisfad]

A great idea! Just curious, toward the end, what was the purpose of the vinegar??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It helps prevent flash rust that happens quickly on bare metal. Thanks for watching!

[@RattyFlyer]

Do you have any videos of swapping out piston rings?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I do not, sorry.

[@RepairGang]

I couldn't click fast enough 😂

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Andrew!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Stella hope all is well have not seen you post for a while so Merry Christmas from Jake and i at Eliminator Performance

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Wayne! Sometimes life gets in the way of living. Work schedule, home repairs, it all eats into editing time.

[@RattyFlyer]

Hubby why does the dryer smell like gasoline 😡😡😡lol😂

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Stella, it’s been two months without an upload. Are you ok?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks! I'm well. Hard to make the time to edit this time of year. Got several videos "in the can" Cheers!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Understood! Just watching some of your old ones before I discovered you and subscribed. Glad you’re ok! 👍🔧🧰

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍

[@RattyFlyer]

Hi paul 🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋

[@raymondthompson4222]

Echo srm run great for 20-30 minutes and then start to run rough and lost power

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Maybe overheating?

[@thischanneldoesnotexist9487]

for a moment i thought this was the red green show

[@AdmiralDG]

A Wegmans shopper I see, from my neck of the U.S. woods!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good eye! Took me a sec to remember the vinegar, LOL! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@AdmiralDG]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Great videos, love the enthusiasm you have for your work! Cant beat Weggies ;D

[@AdmiralDG]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Oh! And I have a 50+ year old chainsaw that would make a great video if we are close enough to make it work. Id be honored to have you make content out of it, and Id love to be able to use it(have never had it running while Ive owned it).

[@samfeldman1508]

Do I add dryer sheets?🤪😜

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Maybe just 1/2 sheet? 😹

[@RattyFlyer]

Duct tape or ratchet strap it to your wheel before you go on the morning commute :)

[@samfeldman1508]

Your stuff will never dry if you stuff the dryer that full. 🤪😜

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

😹

[@Turningwrenches85]

A 1st watching it . But unfortunately that tank needed more repair

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The results in a non-coated tank are really astonishing. Thanks for watching!

[@RattyFlyer]

This may cause a few divorces

[@davidcarper5411]

Aluminum gas tanks don't rust, lol..

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The bottom of those Pulsa Prime tanks are steel, I assure you. The aluminum top is crimped on. lol...

[@jesusdrummer21]

Stella I don't care what you say. My wife ain't going for this

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I won't tell if you don't tell. 😃

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

I had to repair the dryer twice - both times because my ex overloaded it. Now that she’s out of the picture I’ll do any damn thing I want with the dryer! 😂👍🔧🧰 PS - I’ve always done my own laundry because any time anyone else did it I ended up with pink stuff. In 75 years I’ve never overloaded a machine. Let’s face it - some people just shouldn’t be allowed around any kind of machinery! 😉

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree! LOL