Cleaning your fuel tank

[Zep5.0]

Has anyone here ever cleaned their gas tank? Mine has been sitting a few years with tape over the holes to keep garbage out. It didn't look or smell too bad, but I'd hate to get the car together just to ruin the pump or fuel injectors..

I've read pressure washing and wiping out what you can reach as notable options. Others use simple green and warm water, then shake, rinse etc. Are there any areas with foam that I can't see? Wouldn't want water in foam. Otherwise maybe just shake with some fresh gas?

 

[MadMikeyL]

Dumping out what is in there and shaking around some fresh gas is your best bet.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I bet somebody will suggest adding a drain plug!

 

[dDUBb]

I bet somebody will suggest adding a drain plug!

That's already built into your wallet when buying gas.

 

[Zep5.0]

I bet somebody will suggest adding a drain plug!

I'd hit something on the road and lose all of the gas, no doubt

 

[White Lincoln]

Several of the guys on YouTube use a chemical, rocks or bolts, whatever that will rattle around inside the tank. Shack the crap out of it (back and forth to get the rattle going). Depends on if you have rust or dirt or just disgusting grime inside the tank. Otherwise, if it's clean, soap and water, high pressure, wash, rince, repeat, let dry.

Look up chemical tank cleaner.

Maybe something like

RAParts RW0125-78 Northern Fuel Tank Cleaner (Pint)​

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Can you still buy a new tank? Just curious.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

And another question:
Does the pump pick up fuel at the bottom of the tank? Or does it pick up from some sort of floater?

If it's a floater, it may be wise to never run your tank low in order to avoid sucking in dirt (?).

 

[XR7-4.6]

It’s a plastic tank there’s no rust in there. I’m with Mike get the old crap out and rinse it out with fresh gas. Anything beyond that is paranoia

 

[Zep5.0]

Can you still buy a new tank? Just curious.

Nope, otherwise I would have just bought one as I needed the newer style for my exhaust. Ended up with a parts car anyway, so sourced it there.

 

[Zep5.0]

I did the gas trick and wiped inside where I could reach. Very little grime to speak of, so it's good to go.

 

[White Lincoln]

I did the gas trick and wiped inside where I could reach. Very little grime to speak of, so it's good to go.

That's the ticket! Glad it was a no brainer.