fuel tank cleaning

brehlers69

Seaman
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
67
I have managed to get my old sea horse running but the fuel tank is filthy how is the best way to clean it out
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: fuel tank cleaning

Drop in a bunch of old nuts and bolts (small ones), add a can of Berryman's B-12 fuel additive. Let it soak overnight (or however long it takes) and give it a good sloshing and shaking now and then. The nuts and bolts help break things up.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: fuel tank cleaning

What size tank are we dealing with? A remote tank, or a tank on the motor. I tried the electrolysis method on a badly rusted remote 6 gal, tank, it worked quite well.
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: fuel tank cleaning

He has an aluminum tank on the motor, so I assume his problem is mostly Varnish. But please explain the electrolysis method. Sounds interesting. Is that for rust, varnish, or both?
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: fuel tank cleaning

On the 6 gal. tank, I removed the fuel pick-up assembly, and fill cap. Flush out the tank with hot soapy water. Hang a metal bar between the two tank openings using wire for a hanger, a piece of brasing rod works well. Use a wood dowl, or any good insulator across the tank openings to hang the wires on. Shake up a container of washing soda, "Arm & Hammer" about 4, or 5 tablespoons is enough. Pour it in the tank, and top of the tank with clear water. Hook a battery charger positive side to the wire hook, the negative side to the tank handle. That's it. In a few minutes you will see the water turn rusty.
 

newf1

Seaman
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
69
Re: fuel tank cleaning

I had the same problem with me ol' Elgin. I just capped the holes, pored some gunk degreaser in, let sit fore a while, then pored in a bunch of sand blasting sand, and started shing it up. Clean as a wistle. Be sure to thouroughly flush tank out after finished and a good idea to make sure your fuel filter screen is in good condition just incase you missed a few grains of sand.<br /><br />Cheers
 
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