How to clean fuel tank..

_DX3_ · #1 10-26-2011, 02:25 PM

I am looking for ideas on how to clean the fuel tank for the little 73. It looks like it has a lot of varnish inside and smells of really old fuel. I have never had to clean the inside of a tank before and thought I would get some ideas on how to do this from you guys.

Thanks

dieseldan123 · #2 10-26-2011, 02:31 PM

When i cleaned the new to me tank for my 123 i did a mixture of CLR and BB's. Shook it up and let the bb's knock the rust loose and the CLR ate the rust and gave a clean finish. Then when i had the desired cleanliness i filled the tank with diesel fuel to seal the tank. Dumped the diesel, forget how long i had it in there, and let it evaporate to get all the diesel fumes and remaining diesel out for a few hours. Replaced the gas cap, and cleaned the fuel bowl and all was good as new!

_DX3_ · #3 10-26-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldan123

When i cleaned the new to me tank for my 123 i did a mixture of CLR and BB's. Shook it up and let the bb's knock the rust loose and the CLR ate the rust and gave a clean finish. Then when i had the desired cleanliness i filled the tank with diesel fuel to seal the tank. Dumped the diesel, forget how long i had it in there, and let it evaporate to get all the diesel fumes and remaining diesel out for a few hours. Replaced the gas cap, and cleaned the fuel bowl and all was good as new!

I had not thought about CLR. Thanks for the advice. Will give that a try.

green 4 acres · #4 10-26-2011, 03:12 PM

you can do it the automotive way immerse in a hot tank with degreaser for 1/2 a day, also could try a immersion type carb cleaner

CHWNY · #5 10-26-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _DX3_

I am looking for ideas on how to clean the fuel tank for the little 73. It looks like it has a lot of varnish inside and smells of really old fuel. I have never had to clean the inside of a tank before and thought I would get some ideas on how to do this from you guys.

Thanks

Hey Dwayne If is only old gas some sea-foam carb. cleaner would work great, pour some in and shake well. Rust would be cleaned with washed crushed stone, dish soap and water shake real well rinse repeat. If after watering the can, your worried about more rust than run your first tank with a tadnip of synthetic 2 stroke oil. Clay PS Got Mail?

Matt G. · #6 10-26-2011, 04:15 PM

50/50 mix of muriatic acid and water. Fill it to the brim and leave it for about half an hour, then empty it, rinse it with water, and then put some 2-cycle oil or diesel fuel in there so it doesn't rust.

Don't forget safety goggles (not glasses), rubber gloves, etc. and remember to add acid to water and not the other way around.

_DX3_ · #7 10-26-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHWNY

PS Got Mail?

Not yet maybe tomorrow..

ol'George · #8 10-26-2011, 04:26 PM

A handfull of 1/4 nuts, rocks or bolts with acetone if removing varnish and shake,shake shake!

IROCKWITHDIRT · #9 10-26-2011, 06:33 PM

Recently did this. I'd decided not to use acid and opted for a product called evaporust (sold at autozone). Filled the tank and rotated daily for about a week to reach all surfaces. Had some cosmetic scale on the bottom I removed by taking a small cup brush mounted in a paddle bit extension on a drill.

Unfortunately this tank had baffles in it leaving areas I couldn't see or get to. Did a flush with thinner then lacquer thinner. Finding a little rust in my sediment bowl, hope it passes after a tank or two.

gcbailey · #10 10-27-2011, 06:42 AM

I did electrolysis inside of the tank on my O. I've got some pics somewhere, but it did a great job. Used the tank itself as a ground and stuck a rod on the inside without touching anything else. Didn't take too long at all.