cleaning old gas tanks

[mellowyellow]

'76 sea sprite has a biult in gas tank which<br />has been dry since '97. appears to be made of<br />aluminum and about 15 gal. capacity. it's tucked<br />behind port, stern seat and says Merc. on it.<br />am concerned that it may be dirty inside and<br />clog up my carbs. looks like I would have to tear out the seat to get the tank out.<br />any advice on cleaning it out before I fill 'er<br />up? should I just pull it and put a new tank in?<br />any help is appreciated<br />M.Y.

 

[Tracy Coleman]

Re: cleaning old gas tanks

mellowyellow<br />My guess is there is not much wrong with your tank. I would replace the anti-siphon valve, it's old, it's corroded. Pull the fuel pickup out and inspect the filter at the bottom of the pickup-if it has one. Install a clear in-line filter in the fuel line. Watch the filter and if it shows a lot of crud after the second filter change, go into the tank or keep changeing filters. I would be more concerned with condensation. Dump a bottle of Heat or some water dry in there, a fuel system cleaner and fill it up, my view.<br />Backfire

 

[Hooty]

Re: cleaning old gas tanks

I concur with Backfire. Also, you can remove gas gauge sending unit (if you can reach it) and have a fair-size window to look inside tank. Be careful with flash light etc. when looking in tank, sparks + gas fumes = very bad juju.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: cleaning old gas tanks

thanks folks, will definately install in-line<br />filter and keep close watch.<br />also won't try to look in with my ligher...

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: cleaning old gas tanks

update: tank is galvanized and shows very minor<br />rust on one front seam....(can't see back seams),<br />but "seems" in good condition .<br />have easily pulled the seat with 4 screws so replacement is not a problem, and she's a 12 gallon merc tank.<br />thanks to all who have/will reply<br />M.Y.