cleaning out gas tank

[Terry G.]

Greetings,<br /><br />My neighbor has an old boat with two 12 gallon steel tanks on the sides. One has some rust in the bottom and we think it is finding its way to the pick-up.<br /><br />What is the best way to loosen up the rust and get it out. I was told that putting rocks in the tank and shaking it works well, then clean it out with air and some gas. We have both tanks out of the boat. It has three openings: vent, output and the input.<br /><br />What do you think about the rock deal?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Terry G.

 

[ob]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

I personally would not mess with rust corroded tanks.Almost impossible to remove all debris and symptoms will reoccur. tell friend to invest in some poly or fiberglass tanks. It'll save a lot of future headaches with contaminated fuel system

 

[warlord69]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

Being an expert in fuels.........I make them everyday, I'm in agreement with OB.Have your friend replace the fuel tanks with new ones. If the rust occured by having a low level of fuel in the tanks, the actual rot is starting at above the normal fuel level, however, if the fuel tanks were kept full at all times then it was some condensate in the gasoline(naturally occuring or from the fuel vendor).The end result would be, how much rot did the tank walls suffered? I wouldn't gamble with that. If the tank ruptures at sea not only do you have a mess but a gallon of 87 octane gasoline is equal to apporximately 250 lbs of TNT.....Happy Motoring

 

[JB]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

Hi, Terry.<br /><br />I think OB is right. <br /><br />Not only would you avoid repeated contamination problems, but you will avoid suddenly having 12 gallons of gas sloshing about your ankles while on the water.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[iRich]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

A gallon of 87 octane is equal to 250 lbs. of TNT?? Please explain...thanks,<br /><br />Rich

 

[RandyJ]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

All the above is very good advice. However, to answer your question... I've been told to shake it with gravel in the tank. I also read on another message board to put gravel in the tank and tumble it in an old clothes dryer (with heat turned off). I think I might put it in a sleeping bag or wrap it in foam padding to absorb the shock rather than having a beat up tank with rust in it. And since I have actually seen gas tanks explode while being welded on I think I'd flush it out with water a few times and leave it out in the sun with the cap off for a few days before exposing it to any possible spark source.

 

[warlord69]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

iRich....should have used better terminology,must people assume TNT is dynamite....how would 1 gallon of 87 equaling 250 lbs of dynamite .........Guess I should have used better wording

 

[gateway]

Re: cleaning out gas tank

Its not the gasoline that goes Boom! Its the fumes. 12 gallon tank with 1 gallon of gas is far more dangerous than 12 gallons of gas.