Cleaning OMC gas tank

[samo_ott]

I have a standard 5 gallon external tank (single line - not pressurized) that somehow ended up full of rust and sludge and unfortunately clogged up my lil 5.5 fuel pump and carb last summer. But that's not the question, the question is, does anyone have an idea as to how to clean up the tank to make it usable again and how do I properly dispose of the resulting sludge? thanks

 

[bben76]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

I once filled a rusted motorcycle gas tank with about 100 bb's and shook the heck out of it to knock everything loose. did that several times then filled with a little gas to rinse it out, kept repeating until the gas appeared clean. ran the bike for 4 yrs after that without a problem.

i think the best thing to do thought is get a new plastic tank from walmart for $20.

 

[DJ]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

I once filled a rusted motorcycle gas tank with about 100 bb's

Yep, works great. I've only done that to integral tanks that were difficult or impossible to find.

A portable tank is not worth the hassle . Buy a new one.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

If its a portable I would just replace it and put the old one out at your next yard sale with a "needs cleaning" sign on it.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

I agree ,replace it with a plasic one that wont stain your boat,car trunk,clothes with rust from the outside. As for the inside,you wont have to worry about the inside ever rusting again.Another DANGER is,the rust will eventually cause a leak.Throw it away.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

Sounds unanimous... junk it... thx

 

[bben76]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

keep the old one, use it as your waist oil container!

 

[imported_MattG]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

For the time and effort it would cost to repair that tank. You can go to wally world and pay 15 bucks for a 6 gallon one that works just fine.

 

[Captain Jeff]

Re: Cleaning OMC gas tank

Just make sure those BBs don't create any sparks...