Cleaning a gas tank.

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BullDad

Recruit
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
3
I have a 3 hp LighTwin....
The gas tank is aluminum and has some nasty beige goo in it (Yup I found it in a barn with a tank full of "gas")
What is the best way to clean this Lil' Gem out ?
 
R

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Cleaning a gas tank.

Lots of ways to do it, but you could buy 2 quarts of Berryman's B-12 at Autozone, put it in the tank, add a few handfuls of pea gravel or old nuts and bolts, shake it around real good to knock loosen all that junk, pour that out, then wash it out with some detergent and water, then rinse it out with some fresh gasoline. Check tank for leaks after cleaning. Good to get it really clean so that junk doesn't continue to come out of tank and screw up your fuel system/carbs. May want to check/clean/replace fuel lines, clean carb. Good Luck!
 
C

Caseyuconn

Seaman
Joined
May 1, 2011
Messages
61
Re: Cleaning a gas tank.

Small tanks are really cheap, small engines are not.
I would toss it and get a new tank. I've had two engines fail on me in the last two years, luckily only temporarily, because of bad gas issues.
 
G

gasch

Cadet
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
23
Re: Cleaning a gas tank.

After you have cleaned the tank until nothing comes out, look inside using a flashlight if it still appear to be alittle rusty, at your local marine or autoparts sotre some one should have a pour in sealer (liner) basicly it coats the inside of the inside of the fuel tank to prevent any futher rusting and such stuff. Replacing hte tank is an option but you have to ba able to find one.

Good luck
 
HighTrim

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: Cleaning a gas tank.

Is it a pressure tank or single line?

I have done the solvent/nuts bolts thing, shaking every few hours for a week or two.

Im too lazy for that now. Soda blast it out, rinse with water, then gas. If you get the exterior soda blasted at the same time, you can repaint/decal and have a beautifully restored tank that will get many second glances.
 
B

BullDad

Recruit
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
3
Re: Cleaning a gas tank.

Well, Gasch...It'a aluminum...so NO rust here...
I had thot bout a solvent...and i may just do the B-12, Mr. Graham, Thanks...
Gonna take the petcock off and wrap the threads...With clean gas and a lil compression..Most ANYTHING will run.
 
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