dirty fuel tanks

alsbirds

Cadet
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
9
its a 72 imp with 4 -17 gal saddle tanks that have some rust in them how do i clean them thank you in advance
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: dirty fuel tanks

If they are that bad, they should be pulled and taken to a pro for inspection. They are over 30 years old now.
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: dirty fuel tanks

my fuel tank is 29 years old. got me some crap in it too (rustys). i just got the boat. so only have the info that it was supposedly stored full for 15 years. so far i 've just been R&Rin fuel filters. it's been gettin better and better(the fuel filter). ran it pretty empty once and had me some chunks in the filter. and at the carb filter too. some chunks made it by the fuel pump filter. i'm planin on changein filters till the crap is gone. keepin an eye on the tank itself to make sure i aint got any leaks. if that don't do it. it's gonna have to come out for a full cleanin or replacment. full cleanin don't amount to much more than solvants if real dirty and followed by soap and water till its clean then air dryin till dry. i suppose as a last resort for me, i may run it pretty empty and try to siphone the crap out the bottom of the tank with the boat tilted pretty bow high. but thats my last resort prior to takein them(it in my case, only got one) out.......
keep in mind that fuel tanks in boats must pass tests so theres no leakin issue. see th uscg website to find these criterea, i think it's boat building critera that ya want to follow, though i can't remember......it's interesting at the very least....
 
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