How would you clean a fuel tank?

[live4theking]

I rebuilt the carb and put a new fuel filter on the '68 NYer. I've got a fuel line in a jar right now to run it. I'm wondering how you would go about cleaning the tank.

I've looked round on line and found some videos on youtube.

One guy put a chain in the tank and was rattling it around to loosen the rust.

Another guy used white vinegar to clean the tank. He had some before and after video. It was kind of impressive. He did leave it sit for like a week I believe.

There were a couple of guys that used a kit from POR. I've used other products from them in the past. Their stuff seemed real good. Additionally it is supposed to be good with the ethanol in the fuel now a days. I looked at the kits on POR's website, but I didn't see a recommendation for how much sealer is required.

So, what have you guys found that works? I appreciate your input.

 

[300Nutter]

Local radiator shop will boil it out too.

 

[67-Fury]

If you do use vinegar use apple cider much stronger.

 

[Zymurgy]

I can't give you a DIY cleaning I had mine professionally steam cleaned, he said it wasn't in the best shape, but so far so good. I used Red Kote to seal 3 years ago nothing in the fuel filter yet rust or sealer. I changed it out the filter 2 months ago.

 

[300Nutter]

Radiator shop said they would clean mine. It was out of a flood car and had mud in it that sat in a junk yard for years, but it was all I had at the time.

They quoted me $25 to do it and said they would check it for leaks too. (this was more than 10 years ago, so price may have gone up). I consider a solid tank a safety issue, so I was going with that.

But in the meantime, I found an almost new tank in a junk yard for $50. No leaks, no rust, no ever being in a flood, so I went with the newer one.

If the only tank you have is the only you have, I would have it cleaned and checked for leaks. If its really rusty or leaks, then I would look for one in better shape. But thats just me.

 

[CanCritter]

Local radiator shop will boil it out too.

x2

 

[71grancoupe]

I had a '29 Plymouth that had 45 year old gas in it! I put a couple shovels of one inch river rock in the tank after emptying and tying it to a strong tree branch and rolling it around in the air for an hour or so. Cleaned it with a couple gallons of fresh gas and it worked fine.

 

[CanCritter]

I had a '29 Plymouth that had 45 year old gas in it! I put a couple shovels of one inch river rock in the tank after emptying and tying it to a strong tree branch and rolling it around in the air for an hour or so. Cleaned it with a couple gallons of fresh gas and it worked fine.

l do this for any plastic washer fluid containers bottles ect with small gravel ect...works great

 

[live4theking]

Thanks for all of the input guys. We have an old fashioned radiator shop here in town. I'll have to see what they say. I don't even have the tank out yet, but it's been advised to clean it instead of gaining more headaches due to cutting a corner.

 

[cm23uoc]

Friend of mine just strapped it to this with a load of gravel and let it roll for a couple hours with changing angles. Result according to him was very satisfying.
you have to choose the right size of Stones to not damage the tank. Let me know if you Need a bit more Details, I can ask.

 

[bulldogchesty]

I also had mine cleaned and coated at a radiator shop. Did a great job.

 

[68plymouth383]

You can buy a brand new gas tank, and sending unit for about 400 bucks. The sending unit will be stainless steel, and gas tank is Canadian made. It'll out last sealant, and boiling out.

 

[300Nutter]

Gas tank is one of those things, like a master cylinder or brake cylinder or steering component, that I would spring for to get a "for sure" good one, if I had any questions about the one on my car.

Yeah, a new tank may not be "original", but if you are going to drive that car much, to me it's a safety item. And I wouldn't want to drive around with an "iffy" one.

After all, gasoline is only a little less explosive than dynamite. We tend to forget that sometimes.

 

[moper]

If the tank is sound but has a bunch of crud in it any of the abrasive "shaking" methods work well. I've used chain before myself. but if it's a rust issue and there's a lot of it inside and out, don't waste the time. Just replace it.

 

[Yatzee]

Get it boiled out at a rad shop. It is not advisable to use any sealant inside the tank that is not 100% ethonal compatible or the coating will break down and end up everywhere inside the fuel system. Ask before purchasing.

 

[live4theking]

Guys, thanks for the all of the input. When I drop the tank I've got some ideas of how to proceed.