Cleaning The Gas Tank

[AguaSki]

I just had my boat in the shop for a carb rebuild. The carbs were almost completely clogged, and small black particles can be seen in the fuel sample. In addition to the carb rebuild, I am getting new fuel lines and a rebuilt fuel pump. The shop also recommended their fuel tank cleaning service, but I had to stop the bleeding on my final bill some place. Rather than have the shop do the tank cleaning I plan to do it myself to save some bucks. So, how is the best way to clean the tank? I estimate that I have about 14 gallons left in my 28 gallon tank. If I drain the old gas and install a fresh filter, is a tank cleaning really needed? I never had a water/fuel separating filter, but I plan to add one as part of the fuel system rebuild. If the fuel tank cleaning is really needed, I am looking for advice on the type of chemicals to use, and the process I should use.

The motor is a 1978 Johnson 140 hp.

 

[w2much]

Re: Cleaning The Gas Tank

Here is the unconventional method I used as fuel tank polishing is quite expensive. Drain the fuel through a fuel filter and use it in your car or container to refill your tank . I purchased a fuel water seperater and two filter cartridges. I bought an inexpensive electric fuel pump at Kragen(my local parts store). Hook up the fuel pump , run your old fuel through the new filter. This should empty your tank. I then poured simple green into the tank. I ran a garden hose at full blast through the sending unit opening of the tank, not the fill . I let it foam and flood out til I thought it was clean enough, it was. You can see the inside of your tank through the sending unit opening. I then again ran the electric fuel pump to suck out any remaining water. I shoved a rag into the tank on the end of a good stiff wire securing the rag so that it would not come off inside the tank and create another problem. Try to run it along the top inside of the tank as that is where the moisture accummulates, you will not see it but it is there Gave it a day or so to dry. It was clean as new. I also added some alcohol to help dry out any remaining moister. Install the other new fuel water filter cartridge refill your tank and you should be good to go. Worked for me on my built in not removeable 60 gallon tank. Good luck.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: Cleaning The Gas Tank

60 gallon tank, Good god!

Let's see, 60 gallons x $4.00 a gallon......carry the one....... that's........two hundred and forty bucks!!! That's more than my entire boating budget for the year! I'm sure glad I only have an 18 horse and a 6 gallon tank!

Sorry........Carry on!

Cheers..................Todd