What in the world is in my fuel tank?

[IDFISHER]

I was cleaning out my 6 gallon plastic tank and as I was shaking it around this taffy like substance became dislodged off the bottom of the tank. Is this what fuel/oil turns into when it sits in a fuel tank for too long?

 

[IDFISHER]

[No message]

 

[GA_Boater]

How long since the tank was used?

The blue color is from the dye in 2 stroke oil and the taffy is shellac that gas turns into when it evaporates.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Phase separation may be the culprit. Even before Ethanol was added to Petrol fuel sitting too long undissolved solids (tar) would settle in the tank. I have ruined many a fine engine crudding it up with old gas.

edit: I didn't see the pic. Mr. GA has your answer. I don't know if I would be touching it. The skin is the largest organ in the Human body. Don't taste it either.