What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

[Central FL Mike]

I have an aluminum, rectangular, 18-gallon tank mounted behind the rod storage box of my 1992 Osborn bay flats. It has not been used in many years. Structurally it appears to be in serviceable condition. What can I do to ensure the interior is clean and free of debris/varnish so that I can put it back in service?

 

[Solittle]

Re: What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

Take the sending unit for the fuel gage out and shine a flashlight inside (preferrabley at night) and have a look see.

Ue the red search for cleaning tips.

And lastly install an inline fuel filter to catch any crud before it enters your engine.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

I have heard that a handful of nuts and bolts put into the tank, along with a couple bottles of rubbing alcohol and shaken vigorously will remove most any loose stuff in there...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

this came up the other day, here's a link someone recommended.
http://www.gastankrenu.com/

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

Rather than using a bunch of individual pieces that are difficult to get out again, a short piece of chain or simply fastening a bunch of hex nuts together with nylon string will work. Be careful that you don't break off the pickup tube -- or better yet, remove the fuel pickup assembly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What to use to clean/treat an aluminum gas tank?

I'd Pressure Test it 1st,.................

If it Leaks,......... You're Wasting your Time cleaning it..........