"any useful suggestions."
JC
SUGGESTIONS:
So I put this question to GROK. Here is a summary (Nothing worse than a chatty bot should have directed 100 words of Less):
First Suggestion:
Caswell offers a Gas Tank Stripper – No Methylene Chloride
Other:
-Acetone or MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
-KBS Strip
-POR-15 Strip / POR-Strip (or equivalent aircraft-strength gel strippers)
-Modern non-DCM paint strippers: Options based on benzyl alcohol, dibasic esters, DMSO, NMP alternatives, soy/plant-based solvents, or other blends (examples include certain Citristrip formulas, Dumond Smart Strip, Blue Bear 605Pro, Sunnyside Back to Nature, PROSOCO SafStrip, and various “aircraft” or industrial gel strippers labeled methylene chloride-free). These generally work more slowly than old DCM products, require longer dwell times (hours), and benefit greatly from agitation + media inside the tank. Effectiveness varies by the exact sealer chemistry and age—test on a small area if possible.
****Mechanical + Solvent Hybrid Approach (Very Common Success Method)*****
Protect exterior paint thoroughly (masking, wax, plastic, etc.).
Remove as much loose material as possible by scraping or shaking with media in soapy water.
Add solvent (acetone/MEK or a gel stripper) + abrasive media and agitate/rotate repeatedly over hours or days.
Flush debris, rinse thoroughly (water + detergent, then solvents if needed), neutralize if using acids/caustics, and dry completely (air, heat gun carefully, or compressed air—ensure no residual moisture or oil).
END OF SUMMARY
As to protecting existing paint as stated
Caswell Seal Mask (Pricey)
Min-Wax paste wax several heavy coats
Then wrap in several Layers of Cling Wrap
Then wrap in layer of towel
Then Cling
Pay particular attention to filler neck and petcock openings.
JC
SUGGESTIONS:
So I put this question to GROK. Here is a summary (Nothing worse than a chatty bot should have directed 100 words of Less):
First Suggestion:
Caswell offers a Gas Tank Stripper – No Methylene Chloride
Other:
-Acetone or MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
-KBS Strip
-POR-15 Strip / POR-Strip (or equivalent aircraft-strength gel strippers)
-Modern non-DCM paint strippers: Options based on benzyl alcohol, dibasic esters, DMSO, NMP alternatives, soy/plant-based solvents, or other blends (examples include certain Citristrip formulas, Dumond Smart Strip, Blue Bear 605Pro, Sunnyside Back to Nature, PROSOCO SafStrip, and various “aircraft” or industrial gel strippers labeled methylene chloride-free). These generally work more slowly than old DCM products, require longer dwell times (hours), and benefit greatly from agitation + media inside the tank. Effectiveness varies by the exact sealer chemistry and age—test on a small area if possible.
****Mechanical + Solvent Hybrid Approach (Very Common Success Method)*****
Protect exterior paint thoroughly (masking, wax, plastic, etc.).
Remove as much loose material as possible by scraping or shaking with media in soapy water.
Add solvent (acetone/MEK or a gel stripper) + abrasive media and agitate/rotate repeatedly over hours or days.
Flush debris, rinse thoroughly (water + detergent, then solvents if needed), neutralize if using acids/caustics, and dry completely (air, heat gun carefully, or compressed air—ensure no residual moisture or oil).
END OF SUMMARY
As to protecting existing paint as stated
Caswell Seal Mask (Pricey)
Min-Wax paste wax several heavy coats
Then wrap in several Layers of Cling Wrap
Then wrap in layer of towel
Then Cling
Pay particular attention to filler neck and petcock openings.
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