Gas Tank Cleaning

[ledzilla]

Gonna be dropping a gas tank to replace the fuel level sensor, and I believe it will need some cleaning while off the car. I've been reading up on methods to clean the tank, but not sure what to do. Don't have the resources right now to take it to a shop and have them clean it, and don't have access to running water outdoors. Given my constraints, is there a decent way to clean the tank? I'm not looking for perfection right now, just decent enough.

[Mr. Man]

Gasoline is a good cleaner :rolleyes:

[Zack]

I've never seen a Marauder tank that was dirty inside.
And the tank stays in place to remove the fuel pump assembly.

[ledzilla]

Sorry, I put this in the wrong spot. Not for my Marauder.

[ledzilla]

I've never seen a Marauder tank that was dirty inside.
And the tank stays in place to remove the fuel pump assembly.
Actually, thanks for this. I had no idea. I only knew I could leave the tank in place for my Buick. But I am a bit suspect of my Merc's tank anyway. It's barely gone anywhere for the last three years. I've maybe put 2500 miles on it in that time, most of them in the last two months.

[ledzilla]

Gasoline is a good cleaner :rolleyes:
Never thought of using gasoline to scrub out a gas tank.

[ledzilla]

Would tossing a bottle or two of SeaFoam into the tank and sloshing it around with a few gallons of gas do a reasonable job of cleaning up a gas tank?

[fastblackmerc]

Some forums say white vinegar, CLR, muriatic acid, gravel, chain, etc.

Personally I'd use this:

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Fuel-Tank-Repair-Kit_p_62.html

[ledzilla]

Some forums say white vinegar, CLR, muriatic acid, gravel, chain, etc.

Personally I'd use this:

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Fuel-Tank-Repair-Kit_p_62.html
Yeah, I've seen that, too. But again, insufficient resources for it right now. Plus, I'd have to carry five gallon buckets full of hot water down a few flights of stairs, and I'm not a fan of it, nor of the walk with them to where I keep the cars. That's why I'm trying to find some kind of solution that doesn't require water.

[cat in the hat]

Is there some specific reason you're trying to clean the tank ? Or just for drill ?

- because I've driven about 2 billion miles since I bought my first car, have never cleaned out the gas tank of any car I've ever owned, and don't believe I've ever had a problem because I didn't.

Sounds like a lot more trouble than it's worth IMO.

(edited to add - I do use Techron or Redline SI-1 tho.)

[ledzilla]

Is there some specific reason you're trying to clean the tank ? Or just for drill ?

- because I've driven about 2 billion miles since I bought my first car, have never cleaned out the gas tank of any car I've ever owned, and don't believe I've ever had a problem because I didn't.

Sounds like a lot more trouble than it's worth IMO.

(edited to add - I do use Techron or Redline SI-1 tho.)
Because the car has sat for several years with gas apparently in the tank. I don't know if it really needs cleaning yet, but I have reason to believe it does. Just trying to know what my options are in case it's needed. Frankly, I'd sooner replace the tank than clean it, but again, insufficient resources right now.

[cat in the hat]

I'd fill that ****er with good, tier-1 high-test, put a bottle of Redline in it for good luck and drive it. If there was a problem, I'd cross that bridge when I came to it.
Just my 2¢

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[ledzilla]

I'd fill that ****er with good, tier-1 high-test, put a bottle of Redline in it for good luck and drive it. If there was a problem, I'd cross that bridge when I came to it.
Just my 2¢

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Hehe
I'm dropping the tank anyway, so it can't hurt to inspect it and give it a once over in the process.

[cat in the hat]

That's a good idea. I wouldn't get all crazy with it tho :D

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[JustRight]

Not sure what you'll encounter when you look inside a MM tank, but if you ever need a surefire, simple, inexpensive way to clean rust out of a fuel tank, I have it.

I recently made a 40 year old, very rusty Datsun fuel tank look like brand new for about $2 and little effort.

[JBeezy]

Last time I had my fuel pump out I took a pic of the inside of my tank. It was 100% clean. Also I read about the driver side stud I think, that holds the tank strap will give you hell during reinstall

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[ledzilla]

Yeah, this wasn't my Marauder's tank. This is a much older car. I accidentally posted in the wrong spot. But I do not appear to be dropping the tank right now. The sensor and fuel pickup can be reached easily, but the retainer ring won't come loose.

[JBeezy]

Inside my gas tank at 61k miles.

https://youtu.be/VK89gt-jbAw


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