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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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cleaning fuel tank

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dwag

01-31-2008 18:13:49




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Got a 450 with a clean tank(no rust) except for some gum/varnish/gunk at bottom. Tractor sat for 15+ yrs. What works good for removal? Thanks.




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cheapo

02-01-2008 17:01:48




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
Plain old vinegar, the cheaper the better. Cover the gunk and let it set for 3 days or more. Slosh it around daily if not loose let it set some more, no more than about 6 days. Drain out and pour on bushes.



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Vito

02-01-2008 11:16:53




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
Have it boiled out by a radiator shop and then clean with baking soda and water.
Vito



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Red Mist

02-01-2008 05:39:10




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
For gum, gunk, varnish I have had excellent luck with carburetor cleaner. You can buy it in 5-gallon cans at most good auto parts stores. While it is expensive - about $75 - I saved it after using in my gas tanks and continue to use it for carb cleaning and other cleaning chores. It lasts for years.
I pour it into the tank and let it sit for 2-3 days, occasionally swishing it around whenever I pass by it. After dumping back into its can, I rinse the tank with water and let it dry in the sun upside down. Usually drys in no time.
I've used acid as well as acid followed by gas tank sealer; I've used gravel and I've used a length of chain. All have their place, but most of those applications are better for rust removal. The best results I ever achieved for gum and gunk was Berryman's (carburetor cleaner).
Whatever method you decide upon, best of luck.
mike

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F-Dean

02-01-2008 04:18:08




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
Gasohol seems to disolve all that stuff in the fuel lines. You might let it set with gasohol for a few days to loosen it and then rinse the tank. $3 a gallon is a cheap solvent!



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bc

01-31-2008 18:42:09




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
For cleaning rust and all other crud in a tank, I used a couple gallons of Muratic (hydrocloric acid) acid. Left it for a day to concentrate on the tank bottom, then filled it up with water to get the rest of the tank for another day. Then finished off the rust removal process with a gal of phorphoric acid for a while in the bottom and then diluted it with water to soak for another day. Final thing I was told and did was spray the inside of the tank all over with wd40 to help prevent future rusting until you start using it. I did all this with the tank on the tractor. It left my tank pristine and there had to have been some varnish in there but certain acids work or some things and not on others. My wife said the Muratic acid would eat the bottom of the tank out if I left it in there overnight but it didn't.

Now just for varnish and gum only, I would consider some type of varnish remover. There are certain chemicals that work very good for one purpose such as paint thinner, acetone, etc. I forget without going to the store and studying the labels. Maybe spraying a can or two of carb cleaner in the bottom of the tank may do it. That is how I clean most things and I buy the cheap walmart stuff.

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justin14054

01-31-2008 18:23:45




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to dwag, 01-31-2008 18:13:49  
Mauratic acid
-Make sure little ones are not around and Do not breath the fumes????Put a couple gallons in add bb's or pebbles or screws.Shake occasionally over an afternoon.Dump and rinsewith water.IIt will look like new=reccomend to reseal afterwards with sealer (jc wittney has it)
Acid $4 a gallon at TSC
Justin



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HENRY E NC

02-01-2008 16:59:04




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 Re: cleaning fuel tank in reply to justin14054, 01-31-2008 18:23:45  
For varnish I used lacquer thinner. Does a great job Henry



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