Fuel tank gook

[oldrenken79]

Ah, here we are, getting ready for another season of fun.

Just as soon as I get the thing running....

Okay, I'm looking for ideas. The old Renken has developed some sludge in the tank from sitting at the previous owner's house, so I'm going to pump it out, pull it out, and clean it out.

I'm just not sure exactly how to clean the thing out, short of cutting it in half, cleaning it and welding it back together.

Ideas, thoughts, impressions anyone?

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Fuel tank gook

When I worked at a radiator shop we cleaned/repaired lots of gas tanks.
They were soaked in the hot tank solution that we also used to clean
and strip the paint from the radiators.
After soaking over night we flushed with water and then let it air dry.

Traditional radiator shops have kind of become a thing of the past
but their are still a few around especially if your in a mining or agricultural
area.

 

[BF]

Re: Fuel tank gook

I would probably pour some kerosene in, add some big clunky things (old bolts/nuts or large washers) and then swish/agitate it. Drain & repeat a few times. Make sure you keep track of what you put in (bolts or whatever) and get all them out later... Let it air dry and you should be good.

 

[oldrenken79]

Re: Fuel tank gook

Both good ideas, thank you!

I have a NAPA right down the street that does engine work, and probably has a hot tank, and Kerosene shouldn't be a problem in this area.

Hmmm.... big clunky things. Now if I could squeeze that moron neighbor of mine in the filler spout.......

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

 

[DianneB]

Re: Fuel tank gook

Forget everything else. If you want to fix it once and never touch it again, check out POR-15 (http://www.por15.com/FUEL-TANK-REPAIR-KIT/productinfo/FTRK/)

I have used it in various antique machinery and it leaves the tank much better than new.

 

[oldrenken79]

Re: Fuel tank gook

I checked out that link and it's looking pretty good. Not a bad price on top of that.

I was at the carwash the other day cleaning some gunk off the Silverado and I suddenly had an epiphany...

High pressure, hot soapy water, aluminum tank, heyyy, all I need is a set of goggles and my wife might finally have me committed!

Anybody want to hold that puppy down whilst I blast it?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Fuel tank gook

Once you get it clean, inspect it carefully for corrosion, weak spots and leaks. Bad things can happen with old fuel tanks. Good luck!

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Fuel tank gook

I would probably pour some kerosene in, add some big clunky things (old bolts/nuts or large washers) and then swish/agitate it. Drain & repeat a few times. Make sure you keep track of what you put in (bolts or whatever) and get all them out later... Let it air dry and you should be good.

Maybe marbles or bearing balls.

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Fuel tank gook

BB's are what we used when we cleaned the inside of motorcycle tanks. It worked well.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Fuel tank gook

we used sand in motorcycle tanks with a light oil......shake shake shake that booty...lol

 

[oldrenken79]

Re: Fuel tank gook

Oookay folks, you can all take a free shot at the dummy here.

Bought an electric pump, emptied the tank through a filter (gas is clean, btw), pulled the tank and got to work.

It's interesting how performance on the water is affected when your neighbor's 13 yr old dumps dirt in the tank because you won't take him for a ride. At least I was able to use the old shopvac after I let it dry out.

Tank is a-okay, no sludge, no muck and is now equipped with a locking gas cap.:redface:

 

[archangelnot]

Re: Fuel tank gook

I think someones parents need to get a bill for repairs...


Although these days, I doubt they'd do anything about it because their little angel wouldn't do something like that. (even if you had pictures of him doing it...)

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Fuel tank gook

Wait for a real windy day and take that kid for the ride of his life.