The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Cleaning gas tanks

I'm trying to get the varnish out of a burb tank for my 69. Only one local shop boils them, they have a waiting list, and get $75.

Yesterday I was boiling it myself using the POR-15 marine clean, finally switched to a concentrated power washer cleaner, and dropped in some 1/2" nuts. I did get most of the varnish off the bottom, but it was a lot of work.

Thinking about using lacquer thinner, alcohol or carb cleaner without the heat. Anyone try any of these?

I used acetone and a piece of chain before. Just sloshed it all around a while. Worked pretty good, but I found that the varnish was actually keeping small pinholes from leaking. Then I used a tank sealer. The chain knocks any rust scale loose pretty good.

I like the parts cleaner idea, I always have parts to clean so I could RECYCLE!!

Brian

Carb cleaner usually is acetone. Be careful with the chain, a stray spark would ruin your tank and eyebrows.