Cleaning gas tank?

[banderberg]

I have a '91 Larson All American and I'm trying to determine what the fuel tank is made of - is it possible for it to have rust inside of it, and also how to tell if it needs to be cleaned out, and if so how to actually clean it. I can connect a hose to the gas line and siphon out the gas through the drain plug hole but I have no idea how to actually clean out the tank, if it needs it. It did sit for two years with half a tank of gas of unknown quality in it that did have stabil in it originally.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... To be honest, the best way to deal with that is,......
Change the fuel filter(spin-on type) as often as needed, til the issue goes away,.....

 

[banderberg]

Ayuh,..... To be honest, the best way to deal with that is,......
Change the fuel filter(spin-on type) as often as needed, til the issue goes away,.....

Thanks, I just installed a fuel water separator. I assume that's what you're referring to. I'll do that thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

It did sit for two years with half a tank of gas of unknown quality in it that did have stabil in it originally.

what is left in the tank is no longer fuel.

pull the gauge sending unit and look in the hole. it will tell you if you need to clean the tank

 

[Davetowz]

Like Scott said, pull sending unit, can use trailer jack to tilt fuel towards the sender location, pump out what is in there and inspect the tank. The water separator is a good idea.

 

[banderberg]

Like Scott said, pull sending unit, can use trailer jack to tilt fuel towards the sender location, pump out what is in there and inspect the tank. The water separator is a good idea.

I don't know where the sending unit is. I'll see if I can find out.

 

[Davetowz]

Is the tank completely covered? No access ports? Pic?

 

[Scott Danforth]

There should be an inspection hatch or cover

 

[banderberg]

Is the tank completely covered? No access ports? Pic?

I'll try to get out there today and poke around and see what I can find and take some photos. Thank you.

 

[Chris1956]

Your fuel tank is probably made of aluminum, if original to that year boat. If you boat is fresh water, it is likely in good shape without any corrosion or rust.

Steel fuel tanks were usually not used after the 70's. Plastic tanks started being used in the 90's.