Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

wa3ipb

Seaman
Joined
Jul 13, 2001
Messages
50
Hello, We had the motor running and it hesitated on and off with the new fuel lines/bulb. We connected our portable up to her and she idles fine so we want to take out the 12 gallon metal tank and clean the goop out of it. Is there a special cleaning agent to use? Dawn and hot water? This is a first for us. Thanks in advance
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Maria
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Add a couple of pounds of new clean steel nuts and bolts (steel so you can get them all out afterwards with a magnet probe if needed) Add a couple of pints of chemtool B-12 or Gummout, maybe a gallon of fresh gas, cap off any outlets and shake rattle and roll it around for a while (or longer)till all the gunk is loosened up and disolved. Flush with fresh gas. Afterwards, make sure you have a large inline fuel filter on the fuel line and change it regularly
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Yes. Like Yepblaze said, only I recommend that you make that a water seperator/filter.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB
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Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
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Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Just for fun, compare the cost of a new tank vs. being towed in or relacing the powerhead. Just a thought.<br /><br />Good luck!
 

BBogey

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2001
Messages
140
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

LOL!!! I so enjoyed the technical part of how to clean that tank, learned a lot actually...Dhadley did seem to have a simple answer??
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<br /><br />------------------<br />Dare to be different!
 

wa3ipb

Seaman
Joined
Jul 13, 2001
Messages
50
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

After pricing a new tank($110 plus tax!!!) we decided to try the nuts and bolts method YepBlaze mentioned. If this doesn't work, we'll get the new tank. Thank you for the ideas.<br />Maria
 

rwise

Captain
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Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

My Dad always used gravel and then wash them out with water, but I like the nuts and bolt idea.
 

Hitman65

Seaman
Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
58
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Wa,<br />Do you have space for a plastic tank. Our 12 gal. plastics are going for 34 and they are from Yamaha.
 

FredWinNH

Cadet
Joined
Aug 6, 2001
Messages
10
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Can you use a plastic tank for a permanent installation in the floor? I was under the assumption that this was frowned upon since a plastic tank can't ber grounded and the plastic is prone to static build-up and discharge. That could be a big (explosive) problem...
 

BayStLouis

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 5, 2001
Messages
32
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Several automotive fuel tank cleaning products are out there, chack at a local Pep Boys or other auto parts store. I know that The Eastwood Company sells a product called "Gas Tank Etch", which is supposed to clean the crud out of old tanks in conjunction with their "tank sealer" product.<br /><br />I've heard of the "handful of nuts" method, it's popular for dislodging rust scale in old steel gasoline tanks. HOWEVER, the recommendation is that *brass* nuts be used, as anything steel clicking together inside a fuel tank can cause Bad Things to occur. Just count the brass nuts before tossing them in, so you'll be able to confirm that all of them have been retrieved.
 

Walter

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
787
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

Overton's sells sturdy plastic belly and saddle tanks etc... I think it's the only way to go! Personally, I wouldn't mess around with a metal 12 gal tank that's compromised.<br /><br />Walt
 

wa3ipb

Seaman
Joined
Jul 13, 2001
Messages
50
Re: Newbie at this...12 Gal gas tank... How to clean out ????

I was wrong, it's a 17 gallon metal tank. Dan poured the rest of the fuel out and after taking peek inside, it doesn't look bad. We were expecting to see the inside corroded with varnish but there doesn't seem to be any as far a s we can see through the hole. We'll clean it out anyway since we have it out. We will use brass nuts and bolts. I was laying in bed last night thinking "friction equals spark"
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We can't take the boat out anyway this weekend. Our Suburban's rear went up and they (Auto Repair) won't be able to even get the part till next Friday "sniff"
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. So looks like we'll be able to take our time on the motor situation. Thank you all for your suggestions!
 
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