Ok guys, you've added another convert to the club. I just bought my first lantern, a 200a at a garage sale for 5 bucks, first of many, I'm sure. Anyway, it's in pretty rough shape, rusty, missing paint, etc and not suitable for restoration, so I just plan on getting it running and using it while hunting for its prettier sister:) The problem I have is the rust in the tank. There doesn't seem to be any in the fuel, just on the bottom of the tank, but when I try to light it, it only stays lit for a minute or so and then goes out. I take it apart, clean the generator tip, and it does it again. I'm pretty sure it's just getting clogged when it runs. Is there a quick and easy way to clean the tank and remove the surface rust without doing a serious restoration on this lantern? I was thinking nuts and bolts with a cleaning agent of some sort (works on motorcycle gas tanks) and then rinsing until clean. What do you think and what's the best cleaner for a fount?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
Steve