I've got a 40 gallon, steel tank out of a 1987 E350 motor home. The vehicle had been parked for 13 years so what's inside of it was about 10 gallons of goooo. I drained out what I could, but the bottom is still a mess. I can't find any gas tank or radiator repair places that want to touch it. The tank itself is in great shape, except for the sludge inside so I'd prefer to not spend $300 on a new one.
Any suggestions on how to clean it out? It will definitely take more than soap and water! Someone suggested using muratic acid but that sounded a little extreme. Someone else suggested using the power car wash, not sure how legal that would be. I'm open for ideas.

 

Take the stripped down tank to a radiator shop and have it hot tanked. When you get it back all you will have to do is get the water out. I would also add a little gas-dry with the new gas.

 

After 6 phone calls to radiator repair shops, I found one that still does gas tanks. Seems that all others stopped because of liability reasons. The bad news is they want $100 to clean the tank. I've never had one done before, but $100 seems like quite a bit just to steam out a tank. Does that sound like a reasonable price, or is there any way to clean it myself?

 

We used to clean the inside of aircraft gas tanks with white gas(propane lantern fluid). It worked real well and totally evaporates on it's on with no leftover residue. I dont see why it wouldnt work for you too.

 

Really that isn't bad to have it cleaned. That pays for whatever chemicals are needed, and the labor involved. It may not be as simple as swishing a little white gas or carb cleaner around in it. They may acutally have to use an acid to clean it out.

 

Sounds about right, they shouldn't just steam the tank but should submerge the tank in a water based caustic cleaner just like they clean a radiator. The main cost to the shop is safe disposal of used cleaner, not cheap. They may even air pressure check the tank for leaks.