Best way to clean out gas tank?

[zenmaster]

Hey guys, I have to clean out an in-cab gas tank. The PO let the truck sit for 15 years... so what would be the easiest (and cheapest) way to do that? I thought I might start by using varsol, or paint thinner, followed by gasoline. Is there a removable filter or screen I need to check in the tank? Anything I should be careful of? I get the feeling this is going to be a nasty job... All input appreciated. Thanks, John

[gfw1985]

The best way to do it is pull it out and take to a radiator shop. In order to clean it properly yourself, you need to pull it out anyway.

[fmc400]

I vote for the radiator shop as well. It's really hard to get everything out of the tank by yourself.

[zenmaster]

Thanks folks,

I pulled the tank yesterday... After setting it on end and banging it , I managed to dislodge about a pound or 2 of rust! I think the PO had tried at some point to use something to clean it, then just left it. I'm going to compare the cost of cleaning at the rad shop to the cost of a new one.

I pulled the sending unit- it's totally destroyed. Here are some pics:








Thanks again for you help,

John

[daveengelson]

Pulled the tank on the 65 and removed the sending unit and cut a section off a garden hose thus able to insert it into the tank so I could thoroughly flush the tank. Then used a cleaning agent and sloshed it around the tank, rinsed and repeated. Mixed a mild solution of metal etch and poured into the tank and then placed the tank in various positions and allowed to set 10-15 min's each to remove any rust then thoroughly flushing. I then let the tank bask in the sun for several hours. If detect any pitting, or holes, there's a sealant, Por 15 has a repair kit but but if the tank is in good shape suspect you can find simular products to clean the tank at a hardware store. I happen to like the Marine Clean, and Metal Etch, so had some on hand. Anyhow, this was over 10 years ago and have not had any problems.