Cleaning gas tanks..

TexasNomad · Jul 22, 2008

Well I dropped my tanks today and well the gas was orange and smelled like something had died in side of it and there was a lot of scum in the tanks this gooey stuff no rust just lots of crud, what would be the chemicals to use to clean the tanks out?

Brian_B · Jul 22, 2008

Eastwoods sells stuff made for that. I know they sometimes use it on the really old vehicles (like mine and older).

They recommend (their products of course)

Use with Metal Wash, Fast Etch, and Sealer for an impenetrable seal

That is expensive to buy all of them though.

I have seen them be taken to a radiator shop and cleaned out.

I would bet there is a cheaper home grown method though.

Maybe others have some way to do it.......

smokey · Jul 22, 2008

I have used Muric acid to clean a few tanks on bike and cars it works well.
cheap and effective.
you will need to add gas soon to the tank afterwards. I mix a little two stroke oil in the gas and slouth it around to keep teh tank from rusting because it is completely stripped of all oils and will rust easy.

Brian_B · Jul 22, 2008

Don't you have to be careful with that stuff? Like wearing eye/hand protection and not breathing it?

Just curious.

smokey · Jul 22, 2008

I guess you should but I'm bad.
It is just a acid gloves and googles would be a good idea.

Ridgerunner · Jul 22, 2008

Best and cheapest way I found is paint thinner and let soak for 2-3 hours it will clean it all out except rust you can throw a heavy chain to get that out and resoak again.I also used inner tubes fron 18 wheelers to make new pads using gorilla glue and duct tape.

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TexasNomad · Jul 22, 2008

Awesome thanks every one, I have a few gallons of Muriatic acid in the pump room I've give that a try.

Fellro · Jul 22, 2008

A motorcycle trick I have heard about is bb's in the tank with the acid, it knoks the rust loose when you shake it around, would probably work pretty good if you can get two people working on it together...

Brian_B · Jul 22, 2008

I have heard of using bolts or nuts too, but if a vehicle gas tank has a baffle in there...that could be a real problem. Not saying this one does. I have no clue.

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Cleaning gas tanks..

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