gas tank cleaning

[montauk]

I've got a 27 gal. fiberglass fuel tank that has sat for a couple of years unused. There is an appreciable amount of shilac and other undesirable matter that I need to remove before running my brand new motor (yikes) - and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a cleaning technique and/or materials. I've considered taking it down to the local car wash and using the high pressure water. How will I know for sure that I'm not about to foul my new motor? Thanks in advance.

 

[JB]

Re: gas tank cleaning

Hey, Montauk! Whatever else you do, put a good filter/water trap between the tank and that new power plant. Suzuki sold me a great one to protect my new DF70. What is your new motor??<br /><br />Keep your line wet.<br />JB

 

[montauk]

Re: gas tank cleaning

Hey, JB. I was speaking in future tense - I'm still powerless and now leaning back toward a conventional 2 stroke 90 Johnson...$$$$.. What was the cost difference between the 70 and 90 Suzuki? I thought about going to the 4 stroke 70 to save some cash, but it seems like the 70 wasn't very much less than the 90. And you're right about the filter/separator - as much as I hate to clutter up my limited space, I'll definately be putting one on. So how's Suzi?

 

[JB]

Re: gas tank cleaning

You are right about the DF70, Montauk, it isn't a lot less than th DF90, but it is almost 80 pounds lighter. It is about 2 grand less than the Yammy, though. You can probably save at least a couple of big ones by going to the Johnny. That Suzi is one sweet engine, though. You could save some big bux on fuel.<br />Good luck and let us know what you decide.<br /><br />JB

 

[Wink]

Re: gas tank cleaning

thsi may sound nuts, I had a motor that every time i would look at the filter would have garbage in it, One day i just got so fustrated with cleaning carbs once a month and chagin filters I ripped out the tank that was internal to the boat, Well it was aluminum, I said crap, darn shoot, no need to change tak was clean on inside. This is of course after I ordred a new plastic tank to replace. What was trashing my tank was the FILL HOSE, had been so old it was flaking and seld destructing and generally filling tank with crap.<br /><br />So I guess what i am saying is you can pump the tank clean or get a truck to come out and filter whats in it, But gas that old should be removed in an enviromentally friendly way BUT DONT SKIMP REPLACE ALL HOSES INCLUDING FILL HOSE!!!!!!!

 

[montauk]

Re: gas tank cleaning

JB - the 80 lb. difference is appealing, as is the improved range and fuel savings, but i'm curious as to your top speed with the DF70. Not that it's a top priority, but it is nice to be able to skidaddle when wanted.<br />Anyhow, congrats on your new baby, and i'm sure she'll do you proud!<br /><br />Wink - there was only a couple of cups of fuel in the tank, and that was allowed to evaporate in the sun with the cap off. But you're right and I hope everyone reading this will dispose of oil/fuel/chemicals the right way - we have enough environ problems out there (not to mention any contributers...WAVERUNNERSWAVERUNNERSWAVERUNNERS) so lets all do our part in keeping our fish edible and our beaches beautiful. <br /><br />Thanks to everyone that contributes to this post - I'm learning tons.

 

[JB]

Re: gas tank cleaning

Hey, Montauk. The dealer said I could expect 38 - 40 at w.o.t., but Brian (fishnff) said his pals get 33. I am expecting w.o.t. at 33 - 35, which is really quick on anything but flat water for a Montauk. My son's Montauk (Merc 90 2 stroke) can get up to 38 on flat water but he does all his running in the low 30s. We expect to be able to convoy at about 30 without straining the Suzi or loafing the Merc. I should get it back and on the water this weekend. I'll let you know.<br /><br />Tight lines.<br />JB

 

[cheetah]

Re: gas tank cleaning

To clean a boat gas tank a trick I learned from a master mechanic years ago. Open the access panel on the tank, Drop several (many) steel (magnetic) nuts and bolts into the tank through the access panel (the filler cap on portable tanks). Using a magnetic end flexible long handled tool pick up, The tool you would use to pick up a dropped nut in a tight space, swirl it around in the tank until all the junk is scraped off the bottom and sides, pump the tank. Add rubbing alchol, volume depending on tank size, to the tank and stir again and drain. Repeat until the tank in clean.<br /><br />When you are done the magnetic end of the tool is used to extract all the nuts and bolts from the tank. REMEMBER to use steel nuts and bolts, stainless steel is not magnetic!!!!<br /><br />The rubbing alcohol in cheap and will also mix with any water in the tank so the water is removed at the same time. It also evoporates so you do not have a disposal problem, which you would if you use gas to clean the tank.