Fuel Tank Cleaning?

[O.T.Water]

Just bought a 1988 Sport Craft with an empty tank. I'm going to replace all the fuel lines and install a water sep/fuel filter. Without removing the tank are there any procedures I could perform to try to clean the inside of it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

depends on if it's plastic or metal. A steel tank that's rusted may need to be replaced. Plastic tanks you can put a solvent like mineral spirits, Berryman's B-12 or similar to flush tank, same with aluminum and stainless steel. We used to use rock gravel to clean motorcycle tanks...just put a couple of handfulls in tank and shake it real good to remove rust, deposits, most anything, then wash out good with fresh gas. Good Luck!

 

[O.T.Water]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

Thanks for the mineral spirits idea! I don't want to remove the tank and I know it's aluminum. Maybe let the MS sit in it a little then rinse with fresh gas. After that hope the new filter/water sep handles the rest. Appreciate the input. O.T.

 

[302slick]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

In my 76 removing the tank was not an option. I just put in some Sea Foam and premium gas. My experience with tanks is if you can't flush them out right you can make things worse by knocking a bunch of debris loose.
I.M.O. .....Your call...

 

[O.T.Water]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

Hmmmm, making me wonder. Maybe leave well enough alone. Fresh gas and change the filter more frequently in the beginning. see what happens, Thanks

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

Use E-10 and keep spare filters at hand. It will be clean in no time.

 

[BIGALF]

Re: Fuel Tank Cleaning?

Using fuel with E-10 is good for cleaning the tank,but what do you do with the waterit forms in the bottom of the tank over time?