Cleaning Out Petrol Tank
Cleaning Out Petrol Tank
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Discussion

111Robin

Original Poster:

23 posts

233 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
quotequote all
My car hasn't been used in 11 years but it's garaged and started/run up to normal temp. several times/year. I've put the odd gallon of fresh petrol in over the years. Over the past year the carb' jets (2 x 1-1/2") and throttle butterfly spindles have become completely seized up with a sticky brown goop. Presumably this is the 11 year old petrol that has broken down and is finding its way through to the carb's. I have removed and freed off the carb's and have now removed the tank. Any opinions on the best method for cleaning it to ensure all the residue is removed ?. I will resort to a new tank if needs be but would rather have a go at cleaning it as it is otherwise perfect. Presumably the pump (mechanical) will also suffer from this residue so I may just replace this. Not sure how to clean out the feed line from the tank though. Any advice is welcome,

Robin

Cooperman

4,428 posts

271 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
quotequote all
Pour in about 2 litres of 'Brake & Clutch Cleaner' (obtainable in 5 litre cans). Let it soak a while, swish it around then drain it off. Repeat with another litre and it should be fine.

111Robin

Original Poster:

23 posts

233 months

Thursday 16th October 2008
quotequote all
Thank's, I might try that out. Is it worth putting some hex nuts or similar in to agitate the goop with the brake cleaner ?. What about steam cleaning ?

Robin

Cooperman

4,428 posts

271 months

Friday 17th October 2008
quotequote all
I wouldn't put any nuts in as they could damage the tank gauge unit. Brake & Clutch cleaner is very good stuff and should do the trick. I would not steam clean it as mixing water into a petrol tank is not a good idea unless you thoroughly dry it out afterwards.
B $ C cleaner is my recommendation and should do the trick.

Peter

111Robin

Original Poster:

23 posts

233 months

Friday 17th October 2008
quotequote all
I'll give it a try, thank's Peter.