Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning option

[Homerr]

This boat has a 78 gallon steel fuel tank.<br />It's ben sitting approx. 9 years.<br /><br />VARNISH SMELL IS PRESENT !<br /><br />I can only guess what's inside.<br /><br />Is there a miracle cure I can put in the tank to clean it out, or should I just replace the tank?<br /><br />It doesn't look too difficult to get it out.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

From a weldor/fabricators point of view; It can be cleaned; BUTT, if were for diesel it would be ok, gas , I would not take a chance. You get globuels of condinsaton in the top of the tank, so the top and bottom would probably have exfoilation. Get a new aluminum tank...it's lighter.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

If you can remove the tank you are golden. There are allot of good tank cleaning tips on this site if you search. www.eastwoodcompany.com sells a gas tank sealing chemicals. # chemicals come with the kit, a mild acid to etch out the rust, an etch stopping agent, and a sealer.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Hooty]

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

If ya can figure out a way to tumble the tank for 2-3 hrs., you can put in a gallon or so of clean, washed pea-gravel and tumble. Inside looks shiney new. I've done it with a lot smaller tanks.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Homerr]

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

If I get the bohemeth out, It's getting transplanted with an aluminum tank!<br /><br />Thanks for the advice...<br /><br />H.

 

[gunkas]

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

Re: Restoration..Project 1: Fuel cell is steel and has been sitting. Cleaning op

I had a similar situation, my 98 gallon tank sat for 7 years and when I restored my boat I bought a new 250 Mercury. I removed the tank and flushed, tumbled and did all the professional attempts at cleaning it out, it too did have a varnish smell. finally I took it to a welder who cut off one end so I could inspect and possibly manually clean it. What I found was 1/2 inch of rock hard crud and the tank had two ribs (I gues for support) which made cleaning impossible. So I took the tank up to Sunshine tanks who made me an exact copy for about $465. I made a lobster haven out of the old one and I dont have to worry about all that crud in my new $$$$$$$engine, you know what I mean....Mark