Stamping/Drawing lubricant

[c9zx]

Does anyone know what kind of lubricant is used when forming gas tanks? Is it 100% soluble in gasoline? I ask because after replacing the tank and lines in my Cougar, I started having strange problems with various parts of the new  carb "sticking". And generally running poorly. I solved each sticking problem but they returned. I completely disassembled the carb and found a white/grey and reddish substance had plugged 3 of 4 HSAB as well as 4 emulsion holes and the throttle shafts were sticking in the bores. Carb cleaner didn't remove it. I had to use an ultrasonic cleaner with an aviation cleaning product to remove the "gum". I drained the tank and lines. I let a sample settle overnight and solids of the same colors had settled in the bottom. The gas I had put in the new tank was 100% 91 octane pump gas mixed with Sunoco 260 GTX. I've mixed race fuel and pump gas for decades without a problem so I don't think it was the fuel. The only thing I can think of is the forming lubricant reacted poorly with the fuel. A fresh load of just gasoline, minor carb adjustments, and all is fine again. However, not knowing the cause of this problem is annoying me.

   If anyone has knowledge of the forming lubricant please share what you know. The tank was was a Spectra Premium made in Canada if that means anything.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[kcmash]

Probably something real similar to this:

Molylub FormDraw TDN

mineral oil-based, non-water miscible deep drawing metalworking oil

Description:                        Preparation based on mineral oil hydrocarbons with a low aromatic content, polar lubricity improvers, chlorinated paraffins as well as anticorrosion additives and stabilising agents.

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

I was an automotive process, product and tooling engineer for many years and have been in stamping since 1966. Pretty much ever lube used today is water soluble. Required by OEM so you do not contaminate their wash systems. We stayed away from chlorinated lubes since we did stainless work and that attacks stainless and also some tool steels. 

A gas tank is not a sever draw and the material is also hot dipped zinc which also makes it easier to draw. Also before the tanks are mash seam welded they would go through a wash process. If the outside of the tank was not oily the inside would not be. They probably only lube the outside surface that is only place the metal is sliding across the tool. 

The biggest expense in a stamping plant is the draw lube so they do everything to limit use. Coatings on the tools and even sacrificial tools that use bronze draw rings instead of steel.

You could send a sample to one of the oil analyzer places and probably get an answer. Seems like they charged me $25.00 to do a sample from my car. 

I use the Lucas upper cylinder lube in my gas. When I pulled the intake off you can see the lube on the valves. Replaces the lead in the gas. I put about 1,500 miles on the car this year and no plug fouling or any issues. Runs lots cooler also.

 

[Stanglover]

That's strange! I installed a Spectra-Premium gas tank two years ago and have had no problems with gas residue. I also replaced all the fuel lines with SS and fuel injector rubber hose where needed. Recently if you remember, I posted about a problem I was having with my engine not running properly. During the analysis, I had stripped my Holley 670 carb, cleaned and replaced the power valve and the squirter. During this, I found no residue that I would consider unusual.

Spectra-Premium tanks are "Tern-Coated", which is I believe a lead-zinc coating to prevent rust. I actually looked inside my tank prior to installing the return vent and saw no sign of contaminants. So perhaps you got one that was not cleaned properly. Or if you did not replace the rubber hoses, did Ethanol come in contact with them and the residue come from there?

Just thinking aloud so to speak.

Geoff.

 

[Don C]

How about the race fuel? Any chance it could be contaminated?

 

[Tnfastbk]

Does anyone know what kind of lubricant is used when forming gas tanks? Is it 100% soluble in gasoline? I ask because after replacing the tank and lines in my Cougar, I started having strange problems with various parts of the new  carb "sticking". And generally running poorly. I solved each sticking problem but they returned. I completely disassembled the carb and found a white/grey and reddish substance had plugged 3 of 4 HSAB as well as 4 emulsion holes and the throttle shafts were sticking in the bores. Carb cleaner didn't remove it. I had to use an ultrasonic cleaner with an aviation cleaning product to remove the "gum". I drained the tank and lines. I let a sample settle overnight and solids of the same colors had settled in the bottom. The gas I had put in the new tank was 100% 91 octane pump gas mixed with Sunoco 260 GTX. I've mixed race fuel and pump gas for decades without a problem so I don't think it was the fuel. The only thing I can think of is the forming lubricant reacted poorly with the fuel. A fresh load of just gasoline, minor carb adjustments, and all is fine again. However, not knowing the cause of this problem is annoying me.

   If anyone has knowledge of the forming lubricant please share what you know. The tank was was a Spectra Premium made in Canada if that means anything.

Thanks,

Chuck

I would probably lean more to the side of where and when the regular fuel came from. Were the station pumps recently serviced, tanks recently filled, etc...............

 

[c9zx]

Thanks for all the replies. The gas came from a 4 year old monster Phillips 66 (On Cue) station with massive gas sales. I buy all pump gas/real gas there for all the vehicles with no problems. The Sunoco came from a large race gas distributor and I've used it in the past with no problems. I did look inside the tank with a bore scope before installation and saw nothing wrong. No E-10 or E anything has ever been put in the tank. I may never know what caused the "gum" to form. As weather permits I'm going to drive it as much as I can to see if the problems return. I sure hope not as cleaning and rebuilding carbs isn't the fun it used to be. Again, thanks for all of the replies. Chuck

 

[Don C]

cleaning and rebuilding carbs isn't the fun it used to be

I hear that, loud and clear... 

 

[7173Vert]

I've used these tanks for years with no issues. I contacted their tech line and they reaffirmed their production process will not effect the gasoline in any manner. I think it is still a gasoline quality issue IMO...

 

[c9zx]

I've used these tanks for years with no issues. I contacted their tech line and they reaffirmed their production process will not effect the gasoline in any manner. I think it is still a gasoline quality issue IMO...

Thanks for contacting the manufacturer. It may remain one of those unsolved mysteries. Chuck

 

[TommyK]

cleaning and rebuilding carbs isn't the fun it used to be

I hear that, loud and clear... 

It's what I live for!

 

[c9zx]

Tommy, This too will pass. Chuck

 

[Don C]

Tommy, This too will pass. Chuck

:yeahthat: