Gas tank question for the boat gurus out there

Dani

Dani

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I have one of those regular red gas tanks you hook up a boat motor to that has some crud in it. So this may seem like a very basic question to y'all but I don't know the best way to approach this. How do I go about making sure that all the crud comes out so that I am not sucking crud up into the boat motor? What should I clean it out with? Thanks a lot for your help on this.

Dani
 
Good morning, Dani~

I would start with alcohol. After pouring out as much as you can of the sludge, I would add a quart of denatured alcohol. I'd let it set for a day or so to dissolve the sludge and then slosh it around. If it does not all pour out the filler hole, I would rig a rag or wad of paper towels on a dowel or heavy wire and scrub the inside.

To dispose of the dirty alcohol, I would pour it onto newspaper and let it evaporate in the sun.

Perhaps Tom Scholberg could suggest a stronger solvent that would not dissolve the plastic.

In any event, you should have an in-line fuel filter between the tank and the carburetor.

Hope this helps!

SJS
 
I use a pressure washer or at least a hose. Then rinse it well and let all the water come out when it is dry I add a bit of gas shake it around then put it in a glass container to inspect the gas. It should look clean with no water or crud.
As for not sucking crud into the motor you can't beat a simple in line fuel filter.
 
After cleaning tank you also need to clean fuel line. If its type with quick connect to motor Before reattaching to motor hold plunger in with screwdriver at quick connect. Pump ball to purge whatever old fuel and crud you have in line. You can do this over a glass jar to see just what comes out. If not first shot of gas to motor after cleaning tank will be what was sitting in fuel line. Good time to clean filter on motor also.
 
Steve had a good idea with alcohol, I would scoop some sludge out and try different solvents to see what dissolves the mess. You could try Seafoam. Is the tank plastic or steel? Is there rust to deal with? If the line is suspicious I would replace the rubber and clean the connectors same as the tank.
 
Thanks y'all. Tank is plastic. Don't think there is rust associated with it.

I appreciate the responses a lot

Dani
 
I'd say use alcohol or maybe better acetone,swish it around real good to get it all loose.
Gasoline may even work if it isn't too caked on
 
I'm a full-time student, so I'm the epitome of a cheapskate right now. But you may could purchase a new tank for less than the hassle and risk of engine damage. I'd tray to physically break up the gunk, and then use denatured alcohol. Here's a question, and I don't want to hijack the thread...but it's applicable here. Why do they sell those junk plastic fuel tanks with no vent!? They drive me crazy just seeing them for sale in the stores. Good luck with this project!
 
Robert, Those junk tanks will not be for sale for long. I have heard they leaked fuel vapors right through the plastic and will be illegal to sell. The 'improved' version will be many more dollars. As far as the vent issue, if there is NO vent the motor won't run.
 
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