The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Best way to clean gas tank?

I'm at the stage in my work where I need to clean the tank in my '35 1 1/2 ton truck. This thing hasn't had fresh gas in it since 1950 and since then has sat in a very dry climate with less than a cup full of old fuel in it. There appears to be a gummy residue coating the inside of the tank but no major rust problems. What would the best method be to clean this thing out?

Also, there appears to be a steel plate loose in the bottom of the tank which is much larger than either the filler or guage holes. Is this there for some reason? Overall, the tank appears to be in really good condition with only some light surface rust on some exterior places.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

John Larson

You can go to a radiator/gas tank shop they clean and seal them but it cost.
Yours sounds like it could be flushed out by you with gas then put a see through in line filter on between tank and the fuel pump, most run steel line up close to fuel pump than rubber gas line the last foot or so before pump. watch filter to see if it gets dirty you can change filters for less than $5

Sounds like you have a baffel loose in tank?

JBL, I had the same problem, a nasty gas tank. I ordered a kit from Eastwood for around $45.00. You clean the tank with muratic acid, which is available at most hardware stores. Next you use the metal wash supplied with the kit and let the tank dry. Last the tank sealer is poured in the tank to coat the complete inside. Two days later its cured. Takes a little time, but sure is less money.

Its going on 4 years now and I never had any problem with rust or the filter clogging.

I dont have a clue what the plate is for in the tank, but if it ddoesn't cause any problem I guess you could leave it there. Otherwise you will have to open the tank to remove it.

Good luck, Jim

Sounds right to me. Baffles are important, keep the fuel from sloshing around. And if it's laying loose, it could wear a hole in the tank.