Cleaning out an old gas tank

jcramsey

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Location
Marion, NC
How do y'all do it? I've got a tank that's been sitting 30+ years with gas in it. Tank is in good shape except for the solidified gas that's in it. It's fairly crumbly in consistency and is coming loose without too much of a fight. First things first, I need to break loose as much of that as I can and dump/vacuum it out. I've heard everything from gravel to bolts to chains. Anybody have a preference? After I get all the big stuff loose and out of the tank, should I fill it up with something else to help break down anything that might be left?

IMG_1831.JPG
 
I've done this a few times. I used purple power and 50 brand new bolts and rocked it back and fourth. The second time I bought some stuff from NAPA B-XX cleaner (Don't remember the number that was there.) and used the same bolts. I also let it soak for a couple days too. Then I pressure washed it all out and let it dry in the hot sun. I made sure the mouth was up so it would all evaporate out.
 
Have you tried lightng one of clumps on fire yet? :D
If it was possible to soda blast it, that's what I'd try. What ghost recommended sounds legit though.
 
Do you have a sentimental attachment to the old tank? Are there new tanks available for it? I usually don't trust anything that starts in that condition to be something that I want as part of the fuel system...




Wait, wait, wait.... I got this.

Do you have a sedimental attachment to the old tank? :D
 
Fabrik8 said:
Do you have a sentimental attachment to the old tank? Are there new tanks available for it? I usually don't trust anything that starts in that condition to be something that I want as part of the fuel system...




Wait, wait, wait.... I got this.

Do you have a sedimental attachment to the old tank? :D
Click to expand...


No sentimental or sedimental attachments, but there aren't any aftermarket tanks for a 1967 International 1000B that I am aware of....and if there were I'd probably not be willing to pay what they wanted for it. I'm not above strapping the tank from a 1984 Yazoo mower on it and calling it done, but I wouldn't mind using the factory tank if I can.
 
Last edited:
The way I've done it...

1) chains and bolts...shake around for a while. Dump out
2) use a cleaner at an auto parts store. Let it sit a few days. Dump and dry.
3) throw a couple hand fulls of pea/decorative gravel in, shake a again. Dump out
4) attempt to pressure wash. Dump out. Refill with hose, check for leaks.
5) if there are leaks, get them fixed, if not seal that bad boy up.
 
Fabrik8 said:
Take to auto parts store for cleaning. Gotcha.
Click to expand...
jcramsey said:
I figured you meant I was just supposed to wash it out in the Advanced Auto parking lot so I don't get that crap on my driveway :D
Click to expand...

Sheesh...everyone's a critic, you guys gonna make fun of me for my typing stutter too??? Is this how Logan feels all the time???

UTfball68 said:
3) throw a couple hand fulls of pea/decorative gravel in, shake a again. Dump out
Click to expand...
 
ol'Jeeps said:
Take it to a radiator shop and have them tank it.


BTW...gravel or chains is a good way to loosen heavy stuff fer sure
Click to expand...

My local radiator guy told me he was not allowed to do gas tanks any more. which is why I did the 3 I've done the way I did them.
 
X whatever on the pressure washer.. I do mine at the car wash.. leave it in the sun after dumping it out.. you can stick a camera in it to see if you got it all too..
 
You can use a chain and gravel like mentioned and after that you can use vinegar to brake up the rest of the finer rust

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
 
gravel and loose bolts/nuts are a terrible idea, its an absoulte bear to get all those pieces out unless you have a huge access hole.

i have used ice in place of hardware before and had great results; that way, the excess just melts out when you are done and you are not left wondering if you got all the little bits out.
 
Metto said:
gravel and loose bolts/nuts are a terrible idea, its an absoulte bear to get all those pieces out unless you have a huge access hole.

i have used ice in place of hardware before and had great results; that way, the excess just melts out when you are done and you are not left wondering if you got all the little bits out.
Click to expand...

That's a ninja move right there!

Where you at in Charleston @Metto?
 
Apple cider vinegar will eat the rust too. All the tanks I've done had a 4" hole for the fuel pump sending unit.
 
It's really easy to reach in, grab a hank of chain, and pull it out, secure in the knowledge that you got it all and won't have to worry about clogs. I also like chain because I feel like it sweeps and covers the area more efficiently. Those chains you get with fluorescent fixtures work well.
 
Metto said:
i am in park circle
Click to expand...


Good deal...we're on Johns Island.


I thought about tossing in a handful of gravel and stringing the tank up between two trees and letting Irma do the hard work for me, but it looks like we're gonna miss out on the crazy stuff.
 
I've used Evap-Rust with good results. Follow directions on bottle for large tanks. You will need a gallon
 
Back
Top