How to remove old fuel from gas tank

[Salt Water Junkie]

I am restoring an old 1967 evinrude 3hp, with the fuel tank mounted on top of the motor. It has been sitting for many years with old fuel inside. Now there is a layer of varnish in the bottom of the tank blocking the valve hole. Any suggestions on how to clean it out ?

 

[letitroll707]

Open it up drop a match.

 

[joetheis]

Turkey baster or something like that.
Turn the whole darn thing upside down..........
carbs filled 2?
I'd remove the tank, pressure wash it, dry it and return
Joe
As always take any advice I give with a can of beer er 2!

 

[Tim Frank]

Open it up drop a match.

Where in "Leti" are you from?

 

[nwcove]

remove the tank, then remove the scintered metal fuel filter and drain any liquid fuel, flush with water a few times, plug the hole. then go out and buy a 500 pack of bb's and dump em in the tank. then literally shake the crap out of it. ( soak the filter in carb cleaner and blow it out with compressed air a few times)

 

[F_R]

Dump a bottle of isopropyl alcohol in with those BB's. Yeah, that cheap stuff you get at the pharmacy. It does a good job of cutting that gum. Rinse well with water after it is clean enough to suit you. Then rinse again with some more alcohol. I have a can full of old hex nuts that I use instead of BB's. Your choice.

 

[boredindaboro]

You can use electrolysis. I restore old tanks with this. Removes varnish and any rust without removing metal. Easy do and nontoxic. Fun science project also if you have kids

 

[Salt Water Junkie]

Thank all of you for the help.