I got the "tar" out of my fuel tank!

wuzafed

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2003
Messages
67
I had a problem with a thick tar that was built up in my fuel tank. It was slowly contaminating the fuel (turning the fuel a coffee color) and causing my motor to shut down with clogged carbs. Had to have them cleaned twice in two weeks!!<br /><br /> I discovered the fuel tank I have is made by Pate Plastics Inc. in Miami, Florida. The tank was in the boat when I bought it two years ago. (She is a 1983 Boston Whaler) She sat for a year after I bought her and no telling how long before I bought her. Anyway Pate told me the fuel broke down over the years to foorm the tar that was in the tank. The Pate tank is fiberglass and I was apprehensive about using a harsh chemical to clean the tank. (I had a post here a while back). <br /><br /> Pate said to put a gallon of acetone in the empty tank and swirl it for about 15 minutes or so. Then rinse with a 1/2 gal of gas, twice.<br /><br /> What a difference it made!!!! The acetone came out alomst black with tar. The first rinse was coffee colored and the second was alomst clear. I've got her drying now and I'll rinse her in the morning again. I ordered a new tank and plan to use the old one for storage between trips to the gas station during boating/fishing season.<br /> <br /> Thanks to everyone who posted the helpfull information last time.
 

wuzafed

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2003
Messages
67
Re: I got the "tar" out of my fuel tank!

P.S.<br /> The reason for this post is to inform anyone, who may have the same problem, how I was able to get rid of the tar. Since it worked in my fiberglass tank it should also work in a metal tank, if you have one. Not sure what, if anything, it would do to a plastic tank like a Tempo. Also some of the other plastic formed, built in tanks may have some type of reaction. I'd call the mfgr and see what they say. :D
 
Top