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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Gas tank cleaning advice?

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Discussion Topic: Gas tank cleaning advice? -- page: 1 2

Grant

06-11-2025 @ 4:50 AM

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I want to attempt cleaning out a 1951 Ford gas tank without using slushing compound or any sort of strong acidic solution.

Has anyone done something like this recently with their tank?

If so, what was the procedure and how successful were the results?

Please let me have your comments and recommendations.

carcrazy

06-11-2025 @ 11:58 AM

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In the past to accomplish the task of cleaning the fuel tank , I have used two different methods. Both of which worked for me.

For a tank which has minimal rust and no holes, I put a chain in the tank with water, sealed the openings in the tank and filler neck with tape and shook the tank vigorously in all directions. Drained the water out and removed the chain. If the water showed signs of rust, I repeated the process and drained the water out. If no rust came out the second time, I set the tank outside in the sun to let it fully dry out.

For a tank with heavy internal rust and obvious rust holes, I took the tank to a radiator repair shop to have it boiled out the holes welded shut to insure that the tank was fully sealed.

When I had finished the cleaning and sealing operations on the tanks, I used an alcohol resistant gas tank sealer to coat all of the interior surfaces by following the instructions listed on the can.

nelsb01

06-11-2025 @ 2:20 PM

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Another vote for the radiator shop.

TomO

06-12-2025 @ 1:37 PM

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If the tank was left with fuel in it for a long period, the best solution to prevent future problems, is take it to a radiator shop and have it cleaned. This will remove any of the fuel that has turned solid and is coating the bottom of your tank. The ethanol in the current fuel will attack the coating and cause some of it to come off in chunks.

After cleaning the tank it is a good idea to coat the inside with an alcohol and fuel resistant coating to prevent rust from condensation.

Tom

kubes40

06-12-2025 @ 1:50 PM

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Most radiator shops will no longer do this. Ethanol fuel actually permeates the steel of the tank making the process dangerous.
Acid sipping is, in my opinion, still the best method.
If one planes on sealing the tank, dipping is almost a necessity. The steel must be super clean for the sealer to stick and stay stuck.
Grant, I feel I must ask... what are your reason(s) for avoiding chemicals?

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

Grant

06-16-2025 @ 6:47 PM

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Thank you to everyone who responded. Much appreciated, as always.

I'm not averse to using chemicals. In this case, the tank's innards had obviously already been cleaned by the previous owner, and it seemed sensible to take a conservative approach as a first try at removing a long-term storage buildup of cobwebs, dead bugs and a little bit of dirt that was present.

Vinegar and baking soda were used as cleansers, thoroughly sloshed around, before rinsing out well with water. Then the tank was left outside in the sun to dry.

No chain was inserted because I didn't want to accidentally hurt the sending unit or its float.

Tonight, as much of the inside of the tank that I can see with a flashlight looks quite shiny. Surprisingly clean.

Could someone recommend a top quality brand of alcohol resistant sealer? Perhaps something that would be available at O'Reillys or NAPA in Michigan?

carcrazy

06-16-2025 @ 7:32 PM

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One source for a suitable gas tank sealer is Dennis Carpenter. The part number for the product is GTS-9000.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/trucks/fuel-system/gas-tank/gts-9000-haz-gas-tank-sealer

carcrazy

06-16-2025 @ 7:43 PM

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You will want to remove the sending unit and float assembly before using the gas tank sealer. For best results you might want to let the sealer thoroughly dry for up to 72 hours before installing the float and sending unit assembly. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on the sealer can.

alanwoodieman

06-17-2025 @ 1:40 PM

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I use a hot water pressure washer on gas tanks, using a strong commercial cleaner. Then I boil it again with backing soda to neutralize. then dry with a cheat hair drier/hot air gun. then I use pour15 gas tank sealer. I try to do anywhere from 3 to 5 tanks at a time so it is more time saving. Let stand with the sealer for up to 6 days before putting gas in. I do motor cycle tanks/car/truck and equipment tanks with great results. I have had to sandblast a few with low pressure air and soft sand. I took 4 cycles to clean out a military ambulance tank

Grant

06-18-2025 @ 2:59 AM

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Is a 16 fluid ounce can sufficient to seal one sixteen U.S. gallon gas tank out of a 1951 Ford?

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