Cleaner / Solvent for South Bend Gas Tanks

[T….in Wisconsin]

I have a couple “A” tanks that need to be cleaned out. What products or methods will help to remove the dried oil/gas and scale.

Appreciate any and all advise.

 

 

[Buccaneer]

I have found no “magic cure”, but I usually get them cleaned out
using mineral spirits, acetone, lacquer thinner, or whatever I have
on hand, usually trying the least “nasty” first, but lots of “shaking”
off and on over a few days, having a large handful of abrasives
in the tank, such as small wood screws, etc., seems to do the trick.
I’m looking for some kind of small abrasive “rocks” of some kind
that would work better, so I’m open to suggestions on that front as well.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Bob Wight]

I’ve found that denatured alcohol works very well at cleaning gas and oil sludge/varnish.  Evaporust works great at removing rust deposits.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

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T....in Wisconsin

[RICK EICHRODT]

If you have a good decal on the tank, then be careful of what you use.  I use a small length of chain as my “inside the tank” abrasive.  I have used Super Clean and my “heavy duty” cleanser.  Be careful with that stuff as it can ruin a decal with just a small drop of the stuff.  Super clean works as well but is not as powerful as Super Clean.  I have also used E-85 gasoline in the tank.  It does work.  I let it sit overnight and come back to it in the morning, shaking the tank.  With the piece of chain, you are sure to get it all out of the tank where with nuts, screws and other loose stuff, you might not be able to get all of them out.  Count how many goes in and how many comes out.  Now with the E-85, make sure you are outside when using this product.  Anything that is flammable should be used out in the open air.  Wash out the inside of the tank with warm soapy water and let dry.

Good Luck,

Rick

[T….in Wisconsin]

I started with laquer thinner and it removed some of the residue….ways to go yet.

[T….in Wisconsin]

I like the chain idea I’ll give that a try. 

Thanks

[Author]

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