The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Burning old gas -- don't do it!

Well, I'm paying the price for not pulling the tank and cleaning it before I started this project. I have all of the intake valves unstuck except #5 (this thing has a brand new valve job, too). I pulled the tank on Ol' Darrell (58 Apache 32) and it was the most unbelievable, nastiest tank I've ever seen. It looked like a mixture of flaky rust and roofing tar. I tried to wash it out with diesel, and quickly realized that it was too bad for that. I ended up using an extra tank I had from my '59. I did manage to get the fuel gauge sender working again, though. So, take it from me, folks -- Pull that tank and clean it before you try to start a truck with nasty gas. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble, time and money.

There was a car show that showed a guy mixing baking sode and something else ??/ vinegar ?? Anyway, they mixed it in the old tank and swished it around and it seemed to work.

Of course, you can always get a new tank if the rust is too bad.

Oh yes, unless it is an extremely rare tank, just getting a new tank will save you troubles worth way more than the cost of the tank.

The same experience I had. Maybe it's time to do a Tech Tip?? I acid cleaned then lined the tank on my '38. If a new tank is available it's may be best to replace it.