The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Cleaning Gas Tank

Hey Guys, aside from boiling the tank, any other suggestions for a "quick fix" I have a new gas line hose and I put a filter on it. Tank is dry to the bone and I hesitate putting any fuel in it. I was thinking of taking the compressor and "blowing" the gunk out. I am not quite ready to drop the tank yet (as I have other plans 1st) so I am looking at just a "for now" idea. Got any? I am looking forward to taking my Thing out for a spin this weekend! (my first time driving him!)

LOTS has been discussed about that very subject here at the 'Bolt.

To summarize for your reading enjoyment, there are 3 camps:

1) replace the tank

2) Pull the tank and take it somewhere to have it redone

3) Pull the tank and clean it out yourself with muriatic acid and seal it with gas tank sealer.

Here are some links to the discussions:
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=007631
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=007622

As for the "Quick Fix", a fuel-grade rubber hose going into a 5 gallon gas can does work to get an engine running.

Just be careful, especially if you use a tippy gas can...

5 gallon gas can

When you are ready for a perminant repair get a new tank. I,ve sent them out to have them cleaned & coated only to have more scale & the coating comeing loose.

Removing all of the rust can reveal other issues, like holes!

A new tank is the long term fix, but as for gettin it out & about for "testing", I used a portable 3-gallon boat tank. Run the tube to your fuel line & set it in the bed or on the passenger side floor. They're cheap, very safe, & no sloshing fuel to worry about.

I've cleaned & coated several tanks & never had a problem with the coating failing. Those who have trouble with liners failing usually don't follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you have the option of a new tank being available & you can afford it that is probably the safest solution but not necessarily the BEST. :blat:

I just replaced my tank in my 57 3100 and it was the best move I could have made. When I saw the garbage that was in that tank I almost died. It was no wonder I was having ongoing problems with my carb and performance. The sender sock was filthy. I paid $139.00 + shipping for the tank. I dumped the fuel lines and added a new fuel filter. It runs like brand new. The local rad shop wanted $170.00 to clean and line my existing tank. It was a no brainer.

Can I ask where you got the tank at? 139 doesn't sound to bad.

I bet it was at Jim Carter. That's what I paid and where I got mine. Plus they add the correct threading if you're still using your original petcock like I did. Lost1953, if you have a good carb, I wouldn't chance using the old tank and ruining your carburetor. When I drained my tank, I about died too, I can't believe my truck drove. I still have the "OOZE" that came out of my tank. It looks like something that should be stored two miles under the Arizona desert. New tank, fuel lines, and carb, and my truck runs great. I would use a portable and temporary tank like Freq2002 suggested. I know you want to drive your truck, but don't make this the last time you do! Good luck, Jeff.

If you are replacing the tank, now would be a good time to consider placing the tank under the bed and out of the cab. It's more money, but it's just what your up for I guess.

Personally, if there is significant rust in the tank, I will opt for a new one and replace the rubber fuel lines and at least clean out the fuel lines. I also put in a inline fuel filter after the fuel pump.

Chey, I ran my '54 GMC with the old tank for about one hour and the engine got so gummed up I had to pull the head and do a valve job. I bought a new reproduction tank from Fat Fender in Fresno for about $ 160.00, now I have no worries about bad gas to gum up engine. I had the tank for my 1932 Chevrolet pickup cleaned out be a radiator shop but I'm a bit afraid to use it now since the bad experience with my GMC. Give me a call if you like.
Don

Thanks Don and all Fellow Bolters. Most appreciated. I sloshed the gunk around and drained it out. YA...oooooooze and rusty. Even air "bubbles" comming out. But I "think" I got most of it out. Ewwww...regardless. New tank is in the works. Will do when the time...I mean $$ is right...THANKS!!!!!! LOTS of Wonderful ideas guys!

I have good luck in the past cleaning tanks that had some varnish but no rust by using pea gravel and water and sloshing it around in the tank.I would do this several times and clean it using mild soap and water and then let it dry.Just my 2 cents.