Best way to clean out a gas tank?

[One_live95]

My gas tank is bent, like someone jacked up on the gas tank......right in the center. I noticed it when i swapped covers to my painted one. I have an extra tank pump assembly etc, but it has been sitting a while so i was wondering what i would need to do to clean it out. Is there some kind of chemical, degreaser, or something that would work well, and after i do it what is the best way to dry the inside etc. out so i don't get any rust?


thanks


jason

[snakebit95]

Hey Jason,
Cleaning the tank is going to be a pain. The last time I dropped mine, I could not believe the trash floating around in there. Gas stations must be terrible about keeping their tanks clean and filtering the gas. I dumped my gas out and filtered it in a 5-gallon bucket using a strainer. Then I dumped it back in the tank and swished it around and repeated the straining a few more times. Our tanks have baffles in them, so the trash does not simply flow out the hole very easily. I got most of the big shit out anyways. Now I know why the stock pump has a filter sock on it, and why we have to change fuel filters so often. Personally, I would not put any water or other liquids in the tank. I would try to use gas if possible. Try to drop the tank while it is almost empty too. Mine was about 1/2-full, and it was a BEAR to wrestle with on the ground!! Everytime you lean the tank just a bit, the gas would rush to the other side and create a serious balance problem. Just sharing something I learned the hard way. Let me know how it goes. GOOD LUCK!!

[One_live95]

i'm gonna do it saturday...........so i will see how it goes.... just really looking for something to tinker with while the shop has the car......


jason

[Blown 5.0]

Actone works wonders for the final rinse, I use it on new tanks as well as old ones works wonders. BUT they will look at you funny if you buy more than one gallon at the time, Seems drug manufactures use this for use in their drug making.

[One_live95]

where can you get it at.... like lowes and home depot or what..



jason

[Blown 5.0]

where can you get it at.... like lowes and home depot or what..



jason
Any of the above, wal-mart, ect. its in the paint thinner section

[banditmwp]

I've always used about a gallon of rubbing alcohol, it's a good cleaner and it evaporates cleanly after you dump it out.

[One_live95]

sounds good...... i went to wal mart and ask them for Actone, and they looked at me like i was crazy......i now think it was meant to be acetone? I skipped it today.... was shopping for a bike all day.... rode a 2005 r1 i plan to buy tuesday....but thats another story...

anyhow.... i think i will at least give the alcohol a try....i'll see how it does.... sounds a lot less messy, dangerous etc...


jason

[Italian LX]

Acetone is basically nail polish remover. :yup:

[Catang5oh]

rubbing alchohol is a great choice also, cleans well and the best benefit is that the alchohol will mix with any water that is left in the tank and carry it out through the fuel system, this is an old truck driver trick they used to keep water out of tanks and lines, to reduce chance of freezing water in the fuel lines.

[Blown 5.0]

Acetone is the correct spelling ( sorry was not paying attention,Dang wireless key board, cant spell to good anyway) Acetone also is very very quick to evaporte, also mixes with water which lowers the waters boiling point causing it to evaporate.

[Purple1995Pony]

Actone works wonders for the final rinse, I use it on new tanks as well as old ones works wonders. BUT they will look at you funny if you buy more than one gallon at the time, Seems drug manufactures use this for use in their drug making.

acetone is a great solvent....unfortunately it has a very low flash point and will still leave sediment in the tank if there is too much because it dries so quickly. better to steam it out in case it cracks when you try to push out the dent and it will already be cleaned for welding too! :jester:

[One_live95]

i am completely replacing the tank...... not trying to push the dent out..... if i tried that there is no doubt that it would crack.....knowing my luck....


jason

[Hotrod]

Ive got a question. Will using those products remove gas that has broking down in the tank? At school we have a 68 510 datsun that weve been working on and some gas has broken down in the tank. It is literaly black sludge almosts looks like grease.

[Blown 5.0]

Ive got a question. Will using those products remove gas that has broking down in the tank? At school we have a 68 510 datsun that weve been working on and some gas has broken down in the tank. It is literaly black sludge almosts looks like grease.
Here is what i do for a dirty or rusted tank, First order is to remove all access points, fuel sending unit, vent plug,ect. Soap the tank with the best cleaner you can get, Super clean works well, Let it soak then steam clean or hot pressure wash the tank. Next is to use muratic acid to get the rust or impurites out. (CAUTION, If the tank is bad rusted it will eat through, Then the tank will have to be sealed with kreem or like product) Next is to steam clean or pressure wash again. Then use acetone for final rinse. I work with a lot of old tanks on cars and motorcycles and this method has always been the best for me, Your results may vary.