Tecumseh Plastic Fuel Tank Resto

[CJ59]

I would like to learn what members have done to restore yellowed plastic tanks. I'm doing a full resto on the 2.5 HP Tecumseh for my 1971 Allied Leisure Mini Mate. The tank was originally white to match the engine paint.

 

[JohnnyTillotson]

Well I can tell you what NOT to do. Don't sand it with sandpaper when stripping it. Holy moly did that not work out good.

 

[capguncowboy]

Someone posted a video recently that showed someone restoring an old computer. The plastic case had yellowed over the years and he was able to brighten it back up using hair bleach and cellophane.

Whatever you do, don't paint it. The paint will bubble because the plastic on the tank "breathes".

 

[Harleys Papa]

I would try a mix of bleach and water :thumbsup: About 70% bleach 40% water should clean it pretty good but you may never get it perfect

 

[minibikin']

The trick in the RC world is using hydrogen peroxide. You must let it sit in direct sunlight. It will take a few days but you will see a difference.


Sent from my Texas Instruments Speak and Spell...[emoji2]

 

[buckeye]

Like I do my hair for summer. .hmm never thought to try it on a tank.

 

[Docdc]

I would try a mix of bleach and water :thumbsup: About 70% bleach 40% water should clean it pretty good but you may never get it perfect

Isn't that 110% :laugh:

Doc

 

[chipper]

Isn't that 110% :laugh:

Doc

yea better results :doah:

 

[rotnroby]

How would you apply the HP on your tank ?? Wont it just evaporate???

 

[capguncowboy]

How would you apply the HP on your tank ?? Wont it just evaporate???

you can mix it with something that'll give it a thicker consistency like paint and brush it on. I'm not sure what chemicals would be good to use though.

You can also soak a few handfuls of shop towels in HP and press them onto the tank, then wrap it in plastic wrap to hold it all in place and prevent evaporation.

 

[VintageMoneyPit]

If you want to paint it the same color as the engine. Use bull dog adhesion promoter and follow the directions on the can and paint over it color of choice.

 

[rotnroby]

Yeah, Paper towels soaked in HP and put it in Plastic wrap or perhaps a large ziplock bag.. I'll give this a try and report back..

 

[minikenny]

I thought sunlight was part of the process? How does the sunlight get through the towels?

 

[diggers]

I tried salon care 40 creme in a zip lock bag and sat in the sun for 3 days and did nothing so not sure on what else to try???

 

[ole4]

I just scotchbrite it then adhesion promoter and single stage ureathane paint same as engine.

 

[rotnroby]

I just read that the plastic needs to breath when the fuels in the tank thats what causes the paint to bubble. It's just what I read not that i believe it or I don't..

 

[chatten63]

I just read that the plastic needs to breath when the fuels in the tank thats what causes the paint to bubble. It's just what I read not that i believe it or I don't..

You need to seal the inside of the tank first with a epoxy sealer. Caswell makes a good sealing kit. This has been brought up a few times on here. Follow the directions if you use the caswell.the gas will not breathe through but you need harder top coat on tank. Paint will still lift by fill neck if you don't harden the paint.

 

[Street Smart]

Wow Ole, good lookin engine!!!! :thumbsup: