fuel tank cleaning

[gwseafarer]

What can I use to clean my fuel tank? I noticed some foreign matter at the bottom of the tank while checking my sending unit. It's empty now and I want to clean out any varnish and particles.

 

[Solittle]

Re: fuel tank cleaning

mezman - First a big welcome. Now for the fuel tank. There is a neat function here that gives you a wealth of info on other posters who have had simular problems. Go to the red Search at the top of the page. Enter the search argument of "clean fuel tank" or something simular. There are 70 responses and you will find a couple that match your problem.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: fuel tank cleaning



That's funny right there, I don't care who you are.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: fuel tank cleaning

I wouln't worry about any varnish on the inside of the tank. As for any 'particles', I would tip the boat so that all the remaining fuel goes to one corner. Then I would make up a tube that would reach into that corner and syphon off any remaining fuel with the particles. Anything that would remain behind will not cause an issue if you have a fuel filter.

Any varnish that would come off with any fuel additive will disolve and come out in normal operation, with the gas.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: fuel tank cleaning

I'm guess you're talkin about a portable tank right? Not a built in tank. You can de-crud a portable tank by emptying it out and letting it dry out inside...takes a few days sometimes. Then rinse the inside with carb cleaner, let it dry again. Then take a handful of nuts & bolts (count them) and drop them in the tank. Shake, shake, shake, shake...repeat ad nauseum till you think your arm is going to fall off. Empty the nuts & bolts, make sure they all come back out, and if rust is a problem apply a gas tank sealer product that will kill the rust. Have also seen folks just hose them out after the nuts & bolts treatment, til the tank is pretty clean. Let it dry for a few days and then rinse it with a bottle of rubbing alcohol to dry up any remaining moisture. Let it dry and it should be good to go. Or if the tank is really cruddy and rusty, just consider replacing it.