Varnish

[bobwalter]

I am restoring an older MAKO. Opened up the fuel tank today. Siphoned some of the 10 year old fuel out. The color of orange juice. Ran my finger around the inside top of the tank (through sender hole) and the tank is covered with amber colored varnish. Question is, Can the tank be cleaned out while it's in the boat ar does it have to be removed???? The sending unit was also coated with varnish. The tank is not leaking and the foam is still secure and dry. No fuel odor in the bilge. I would rather not remove the tank if it can be cleaned in place.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[moser42]

Re: Varnish

just cleaned the tanks on two 3hp motors (1960's) and they we dirty! had to put paint remover and turpentine to get it out, lots of work cleaning the tank after with soapy water, then put clean water, then i used rubbing alcohol to dry it out after. Then I put the tanks in the oven for about 15 minutes at 150 farenheit.

 

[billybones]

Re: Varnish

I would think that removal of all the old fuel and maybe a fresh tank and a couple of filter changes would work. as long as you get all the gunk at the bottom out first. I would be worried about the carbs and the fuel in there. I am a newbie to this but have restored a few cars. just drained and cleaned the bottoms on those. debris is more important than varnish. I would think that the additives in gas would absorb most of it. wouldn't hurt to swab at what you can though.. someone mentioned rags on the four pronged part retrievevers available at any auto store. IMHO..