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Apr 23, 2008 | 12:04 AM

ScottSuff

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 118

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From: Knoxville TN

Cruise-In VI Veteran

Cruise-In VII Veteran

Advice Needed

Got a question for the all knowing forum.

What's the best cleaning process or kit to clean a gas tank out of a 73 thats been sitting with gas in it for a number of years never ran?
I know it's got to come out and get cleaned but need some advice on what's the best way or process.

Thanks
Scott

Apr 23, 2008 | 01:05 AM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,918

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From: New Hill NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSuff

The best thing would be to buy a new one. But, If you want to clean it. I usually use some kerosene and a few rocks. put the kerosene and rocks in the tank, close the openings, and roll the tank over, and over. You can strap it to something to help turn it over, like a bicycle wheel, etc. to help with the turning. After a while all of the rust, and scum in the tank will be loose. You can pour out the kerosene and rinse the tank clean. When dried out use epoxy primer or commercial tank sealer to line the inside of the tank.

Apr 23, 2008 | 09:24 AM

kevinator80

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 1,496

Likes: 1

From: Lafayette Louisiana

I think Eastwood has a kit for this.

A new fuel tank is one of the less expensive repairs in my opinion; not to mention the peace of mind.

Apr 23, 2008 | 04:12 PM

68/70Vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 40,248

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From: Redondo Beach, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by wombvette

The best thing would be to buy a new one.

Agree. Your tank is 45 years old. It's time to send it to fuel tank heaven. You can probably clean it, but you never know when something else will happen. Agitating the tank in my 70 as I started to remove it caused the gasoline in it (a small amount on the bottom) to turn to a reddish brown color from rust. Just the mechanical motion of trying to remove it caused a hole to break open in the tank. The metal was very thin after having been eated away by rust on the inside. Maybe your tank is not as bad as my 70. My 68 was no where as rusty but I also removed it anyhow.

Apr 23, 2008 | 04:21 PM

bmotojoe

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,340

Likes: 1,720

From: Seattle Area Washington

Take it to a radiator repair shop have them boil it out and pressure check it. Maybe $50.00 and they will tell you if the safest thing to do would be to replace it.

Apr 23, 2008 | 05:01 PM

ScottSuff

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 118

Likes: 0

From: Knoxville TN

Cruise-In VI Veteran

Cruise-In VII Veteran

Thanks for the input. I think you all are right, time for a new tank and the peace of mind that goes with it.

Thanks again for helping on the first of many questions to come.

Apr 24, 2008 | 08:34 AM

hugie82

Safety Car

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,652

Likes: 49

From: Bridgewater nj

I picked up a 74 vette after sitting for 10 years! I drain the tank, changed the oil, pulled the plugs, sprayed WD40 in the cylinders, let it sit overnight, spray it again, then cranked it with the plugs out for a minute, verified the oil presure, replaced plugs and fired it up. After I ran it I smelled gas. The entire fuel line from the tank to the fuel pump was swiss cheese

Little pin holes dripping gas. SO CHECK THAT OUT! GOOD LUCK!!!

Apr 24, 2008 | 10:20 AM

stingr69

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 7,424

Likes: 1,458

From: Little Rock AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmotojoe

Take it to a radiator repair shop have them boil it out and pressure check it. Maybe $50.00 and they will tell you if the safest thing to do would be to replace it.

Be sure they have actualy know how and have done this before. Don't ask me how I know.