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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Fuel tank

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Don_N1

08-12-2006 18:17:40




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How would I go about cleaning a gas tank that has gasoline sitting in it for the past ten years.




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JJofCC

08-13-2006 09:16:32




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Don_N1, 08-12-2006 18:17:40  
I recently restored an old ford pickup with a gas tank that was all gummed up. I flushed out the old liquid with about a gallon of new gas. I then bought a box of glass marbles at the local dollar general store (about 50 marbles. I put these in the tank and added a gallon of laquer thinner. I set the tank on an old tire in the back of my pickup and drove around with it back there for about a week. I turned the tank over and gave that side a ride for a few days. Black rusty soup came out with the marbles. I flushed it out with a gallon of mineral spirits - shaking the tank by hand, then used a water hose to flush until the water was clear. Blew it out with air hose. Flushed it with a quart of laquer thinner and let this evaporate. I probably should have sealed the tank but so far it is doing fine.

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someone used my name

08-12-2006 19:38:08




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Don_N1, 08-12-2006 18:17:40  
Hey Don,
I've taken several tanks to my local radiator shop... they can "vat" them, then coat with a rust inhibitor. Best money I've spent!!!
Regards, D.L.



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Jerry/MT

08-12-2006 18:41:50




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Don_N1, 08-12-2006 18:17:40  
I guess it sepends what you find when you drain the old fuel out of it. If it has a lot of rust and you have a good fuel filter system, fill it with fresh gas, run the tractor and be prepared to change the fuel filter often until all the crud gets out of it. I have heard of people draining the tank, removing the tank valve and sending unit(if it has one) and putting a length of heavy chain in the tank and shaking it. The theory is that the chain will loosen the rust and it can be flushed out with water. You have to do it several times and I doubt you'll get it all. You can then buy a substance to coat the tank and and prevent further rust. I have had my TO-30 for 10 years and it's a working machine on my ranch. I still have fine crud in my sediment bowl and use a filter between my tank and the carb to keep all the crud from getting to the carb.

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Turke Bros Farms

08-12-2006 19:48:14




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Jerry/MT, 08-12-2006 18:41:50  
best advise ever i coulnt pu it better, worked for me many times over.



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Don_N1

08-12-2006 20:36:53




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Turke Bros Farms, 08-12-2006 19:48:14  
I understand the chain. I have used #6 bank run gravel with good results. My problem is the 2-3 gallons of 10 year old gas that had turned to goo plus smelling to high heaven. I need to dry this goo up then use the chain or gravel trick. Thanks to all.



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mwn

08-13-2006 07:56:55




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to Don_N1, 08-12-2006 20:36:53  
If the fuel is bad (which it sounds to be), drain it and use it for fire starter, or take it to the hazardous waste recycling facility. If the tank is rusty or has a coating of flaking substance, then you should definately clean it first. If you have a steam cleaner then that will work. I used to repair radiators and have done many. Many automotive tanks had to be pierced in a corner to drain, since they wouldn't completely drian out the fuel neck. I'd just solder up the hole when done. We always coated the tanks afterward with a sealer. This left the inside very smooth and you never have to deal with the clogged filters, or worse yet, the plugged carburetors. A local radiator repairer should do this at a relatively low cost. The most expense will probably be the sealer, but is definately worth it if you plan on keeping it. Do it right the first time unless you plan on dealing with it again!

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Don_N1

08-13-2006 15:27:03




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 Re: Fuel tank in reply to mwn, 08-13-2006 07:56:55  
I will be taking the tank to a radiator shop. Dad always told me not to pay for somthing you can do yourself. But this one is past me. And I dont like doing things 1/2 way. The coating idea I like. The thought of having to clean a new carb or fouling up a new engine does not bode well either. This is my wife's Cub so she my get fouled up as well. Then I have double trouble!



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