Cleaning crud out of a gas tank?

[MS290man]

A quick search here yielded no help. What's the right way to clean crud out of a metal gas tank? I've got an 031 that looks like it has some sawdust mixed with old evaporated gas that has hardened on the bottom of the tank. I thought about trying to reach in and scrape it out with a small wooden dowel and then rinse it with some gas. Is there a better way to do this?

 

[jakethesnake]

Try putting gas in it leave it in there for bout a week. Shake the hell outta it dump it. Usually gas will eat that crap up. Actually in this case I'd use gas with ethical in it.

 

[Stump Shot]

For me the fix is pour one of those less expensive fuel injector cleaner additive bottles in let it soak then add a bunch of nuts, bolts screws washers whatever you have lying around, put the cap on and shake the living bajeebers out of it. Pour out the liquid, then retrieve the steel hardware with one of those little magnets on a stick deals, flush with mix gas and you should have a nice and clean tank.

 

[jakethesnake]

Sounds like that would work.

 

[fearofpavement]

I use bb's as an abrasive to shake in a tank. They're round so they won't damage the metal of the tank. Also agree with the fuel injector cleaner type products. Keep in mind these 12oz bottles are for 20 gallons of gas so don't use a whole bottle, just some to help dissolve the goo. Don't scrape the inside of the tank as that could harm the soft magnesium metal. Rinse out with clean gasoline a couple times.

 

[MS290man]

Great info, thanks guys!

 

[jake wells]

white vinegar mixed with metal nuts and shake it every hr for a day or so.

 

[Wood Doctor]

white vinegar mixed with metal nuts and shake it every hr for a day or so.

I like this idea. The white vinegar will also dissolve rust rather nicely. It just takes a little time and patience. When you pour the result out, you can expect an orange mixture. Consider a second treatment.

Psssttt... I've saved "worthless" rusted chains in a similar fashion when soaked in a plastic pie pan.

 

[fearofpavement]

Keep in mind that the tank isn't made of a ferrous metal so go easy with the acids...

 

[tickbitintn]

some times a quick shot of carb cleaner will do it..... if you are lucky!!

 

[Keith Gandy]

Thats what I use. Carb cleaner with the wand attachment. Blasts it out pretty good for me

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

I'll use carb cleaner and something to lightly scrape the bottom of the tank. Then flush with solvent and blast with air.

 

[Keith Gandy]

I'll use carb cleaner and something to lightly scrape the bottom of the tank. Then flush with solvent and blast with air.

I made the mistake using carb cleaner to clean the bottom of crankcase and sticking 130psi air nozzle beside the crank and blowing it out!!! Bad mistake! I had to feel my way to the sink to flush my eyes because I coundnt see!!

 

[fearofpavement]

I made the mistake using carb cleaner to clean the bottom of crankcase and sticking 130psi air nozzle beside the crank and blowing it out!!! Bad mistake! I had to feel my way to the sink to flush my eyes because I coundnt see!!

Yeah, I've had plenty of experience on the crap in the eyes when using it on carbs. ie, in here, out there and in the face. I always wear safety glasses now when using that on carb ports.

 

[fearofpavement]

If this is a saw that hasn't run in a while, on further thought, I would just make sure the fuel filter is clean and proceed with putting it service. If this is residue remaining from the tank going dry from a filled condition, the fresh fuel mix you put in it will eventually dissolve it all. So after a period of use, dump the tank out and any sawdust or other debris will come out. The varnish and 2 cycle oil residue will go into solution and get burned. After a month or so of use, may need to clean the fuel filter (blow it out gently from the inside out) and should be good to go.

 

[Jon1212]

For me the fix is pour one of those less expensive fuel injector cleaner additive bottles in let it soak then add a bunch of nuts, bolts screws washers whatever you have lying around, put the cap on and shake the living bajeebers out of it. Pour out the liquid, then retrieve the steel hardware with one of those little magnets on a stick deals, flush with mix gas and you should have a nice and clean tank.

I use bb's as an abrasive to shake in a tank. They're round so they won't damage the metal of the tank. Also agree with the fuel injector cleaner type products. Keep in mind these 12oz bottles are for 20 gallons of gas so don't use a whole bottle, just some to help dissolve the goo. Don't scrape the inside of the tank as that could harm the soft magnesium metal. Rinse out with clean gasoline a couple times.

I use bits and pieces of a Mini Mac as an abrasive.......at least they're good for something.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

I made the mistake using carb cleaner to clean the bottom of crankcase and sticking 130psi air nozzle beside the crank and blowing it out!!! Bad mistake! I had to feel my way to the sink to flush my eyes because I coundnt see!!

I got brake cleaner in my eyes once. lol But when cleaning a tank I hold it side ways so the air and crap blows away from me.

 

[Stump Shot]

I use bits and pieces of a Mini Mac as an abrasive.......at least they're good for something.

@Jon1212

Dear Jon1212,
I'm not a good mood for a good sarcastic quip sparring session today. But to give yo some more Ammo for a future time, not only do I repair Mini-Macs but Homelite XL 2's, Stihl o15's and the like, just about anything really. Please feel free to try again later, right now my head ache is winning the day I'm afraid. For the record I will concede you are the sarcastic quip master, I am but just a student and admirer. SS

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

I use bits and pieces of a Mini Mac as an abrasive.......at least they're good for something.

Ford nuts and bolts that commonly find their way off the truck and onto the road work nicely.

 

[Stump Shot]

Ford nuts and bolts that commonly find their way off the truck and onto the road work nicely.

... the ones from Chevrolet's have rusted away and completely disintegrated. Guess I had a little in me after all...