Cleaning out an older gas tank

[fishmounter]

I have a 1972 Evinrude 4 hp "Lightwin" thats in pretty good shape, that I will be working on soon, but I want to clean out the inside of the 3 gallon gas tank that came with the motor. Is there a chemical or carb cleaner that I should put in the tank to help clean out the old fuel and oil deposits?

 

[rpena]

Well I don't know about any chems that they make for that, but I have a friend that worked at a motorcycle shop and they would pour something like WD-40 and a pack of BB's inside the tank then shake them around. That cleaned out all the rust and debri from the tank. It worked really well.

 

[Pappy]

If thats all that is in there go buy a bottle of ammonia, pour it in and walk away for a day or two.
Done deal and dirt cheap.

 

[Wallijig]

you can go to automotive parts dealer. They have kits used to clean out old car gas tanks from rust and other buildup. After cleaning has a compund to put inside and seal inside to prevent further problems.
It's not cheap, we have used it in restoring old tractors.
I believe kit we got was around $60.

 

[larry glady]

boy i like both those ideas goto try the BBs & ammonia to gether in and older metal tank i was afraid to use

 

[dougdad]

When your done with the ammon. and BB's, rinse it real good with hot water, then rerince with a bottle of isoheat (automotive fuel treatment) to remove the excess water. This is the way I have done many small engine and outboard tanks in the past.

 

[Captain Ahab]

Just toss a light match in!